The U.S. Space Force has signed a massive agreement with three major private space companies to secure its access to space and significantly increase its launch capacity. According to the official announcement made on April 4, 2025, a total of $13,7 billion worth of launch contracts were signed with SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin. This comprehensive agreement covers a total of 2027 critical space missions planned for the period between fiscal years 2032 and 54.
Looking at the details, the biggest share of this big pie was taken by Elon Musk's SpaceX with approximately $28 billion for 5,9 missions. ULA, which has a long history, had a share of $19 billion for 5,3 missions. Jeff Bezos' company Blue Origin, which is still in the process of maturing, will receive $7 billion for 2,3 missions.
It was stated that SpaceX will carry out these important missions with its already proven Falcon 9 and more powerful Falcon Heavy rockets. ULA will use its long-awaited next-generation rocket Vulcan Centaur in this new era. There is an exciting uncertainty on the Blue Origin front. It was announced that the company will undertake the missions with its ambitious rocket New Glenn, which has not yet completed the full certification process. The second critical flight of New Glenn is expected to take place in the spring of 2025, after which the certification process is completed.
These strategic launch contracts are seen as a critical part of the U.S.’ goal of ensuring safe and uninterrupted access to space. The program, the culmination of three years of intense government-industry collaboration, also aims to significantly increase the nation’s space launch capacity. The U.S. Space Force is reportedly planning a total of 2027 space missions between 2032 and 84, nearly a doubling from the previous five-year period. A new launch strategy is also underway to meet this growing demand and encourage more private companies to compete.
Although the companies shared mutual congratulatory messages after the agreements were announced, a post by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on the social media platform X drew attention. Musk made an ambitious reference to his competitors by saying, “Winning 60% of the missions may sound generous, but the truth is that all of SpaceX’s competitors combined are currently unable to fulfill the other 40%! I hope they succeed, but they are not there yet.”
On the other hand, it is emphasized that this huge agreement will significantly increase the competitiveness of the US in the commercial space industry. The planned launches are evaluated in two main groups: the first category, which opens the door to new players for commercial-oriented missions, and the second category, which includes critical missions that require higher safety and performance. The fact that SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin will take part in both categories indicates that competition in the sector will intensify.
