/sci/ - Science & Math

Space Force assigns 21 national security missions to ULA and SpaceX
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https://spacenews.com/space-force-assigns-21-national-security-missions-to-ula-and-spacex/
> This order completes the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 assignments. Of a total of 48 missions, ULA got 26 and SpaceX got 22
> Over the five years of the Phase 2 contract, the Space Force will have ordered a total of 48 missions — substantially more than the 34 missions originally estimated — although only one has launched so far.
> Of the 48 missions assigned for Phase 2, only USSF-67 launched, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in January 2023. ULA’s first Phase 2 launch will be USSF-51 on an Atlas 5 rocket, a mission projected for no earlier than March 2024.
> ULA’s new rocket, Vulcan Centaur, was selected by the Space Force to launch all Phase 2 missions but the vehicle has been beset by delays. Vulcan’s two certification flights are scheduled in the coming months and its first NSSL Phase 2 mission, USSF-106, would fly sometime after both certification launches are completed.
> ULA originally won 60% of the Phase 2 missions and SpaceX 40%. Based on these latest assignments, ULA ended up with 54% and SpaceX with 46%.