Blue Origin has just landed a major $2.4 billion contract from the U.S. Space Force, marking a new chapter in its national security launch ambitions. The deal is part of the Space Force’s latest Phase 3 Lane 2 procurement round—aimed at securing reliable commercial partners for America’s most sensitive space missions.
Jarrett Jones, Blue Origin’s senior VP for the New Glenn rocket program, expressed both pride and commitment. “It’s an honor and a huge responsibility to team with the U.S. government to launch our nation’s most important assets,” he said. “Through this partnership, we’re looking forward to delivering on critical national security priorities.”
But Blue Origin isn’t the only player getting a slice of the pie. The Space Force also awarded $5.9 billion to SpaceX and $5.4 billion to United Launch Alliance (ULA). Altogether, the contracts will cover around 54 launches set to take place between fiscal years 2027 and 2032.
SpaceX is expected to carry out 28 of those missions using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. ULA would take on 19 launches using its Vulcan rocket. Blue Origin, for its part, will handle seven missions starting in 2026 or 2027—once its New Glenn rocket is certified for national security flights. While New Glenn successfully completed its maiden test flight earlier this year, a second test launch is planned for mid-year, with formal certification expected by 2026.
These contracts reflect a significant shift in how the government approaches national security space missions. The Space Force’s goal is to create a stronger, more flexible launch architecture by leveraging multiple private sector providers.
“Our ability to defend and operate in space relies on dependable launch services,” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force. “National Security Space Launch isn’t just a program—it’s a strategic necessity that ensures our warfighters get the tools they need to win.”
The Lane 2 contract round builds on Phase 3 Lane 1, which focuses on commercial-style launches that can tolerate higher levels of risk. Blue Origin was already among the firms selected for that $5.6 billion initiative last year, alongside SpaceX and ULA. More recently, startups like Stoke Space and Rocket Lab USA were added to the list, signaling the Space Force’s growing interest in emerging launch providers.
Blue Origin’s inclusion in both procurement lanes highlights its rising profile in the space defense sector. With New Glenn now progressing toward certification, and missions on the horizon, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company is poised to become a more regular fixture in America’s national security space strategy.
