The contract encompasses nine launches, with seven missions designated for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and two for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). These launches are scheduled to take place in late 2025 and 2026, utilizing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The SDA Launches
The seven SDA launches are focused on the Tranche 2 Transport Layer, a constellation of small satellites designed to enhance military communications and intelligence capabilities. Three of these launches will occur from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and four will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This constellation is part of a broader network that will eventually consist of 300 to 500 or more satellites in low Earth orbit, providing assured, resilient, and low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide.
The NRO Missions
The two missions for the NRO, which operates the United States’ fleet of spy satellites, will also be launched on Falcon 9 rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base. These launches are set for the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
