Two emerging rocketmakers, Rocket Lab and Stoke Space, have received a significant endorsement on their path to competing for Space Force satellite launches. On Thursday, service officials announced that both companies will join established players Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance as contenders for future launch missions. Each company has been awarded $5 million task orders to conduct initial capabilities assessments and develop their approach to tailored mission assurance.

If Rocket Lab and Stoke Space can pass the upcoming inspection and successfully launch a rocket to space by the end of 2023, they will be eligible to bid on the next set of launches in Lane 1 of the National Space Security Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program. This phase includes at least 30 missions scheduled between fiscal years 2025 and 2029, with a total budget of approximately $5.6 billion, as stated by Space Systems Command.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, the program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, emphasized that this award expands the portfolio of launch systems capable of delivering critical space capability. She highlighted the importance of bringing in new partners to enhance capacity, resiliency, and speed within the mission area.

In 2023, Space Force divided NSSL Phase 3 into two categories: Lane 1 for less-risky missions and Lane 2 for more challenging ones. This strategic move aims to accelerate the market entry of new rocketmakers and reduce launch costs. However, previous efforts to welcome new entrants have seen no new approvals, leading to SpaceX being awarded a $733.5 million contract for the initial Lane 1 missions last year.

Both Rocket Lab and Stoke Space are developing medium-lift vehicles to enter the market. Rocket Lab is preparing its Neutron rocket, while Stoke Space is working on its Nova rocket. Rocket Lab’s CEO, Peter Beck, has stated that the company intends to launch Neutron by the end of 2025, despite concerns regarding the rocket’s readiness and launch infrastructure. Additionally, the company faces legal challenges from a shareholder alleging misleading statements about the timeline for Neutron’s development.

When the Space Force initiated the competition in 2023, officials recognized that it wouldn’t lead to immediate new entrants, but chose to proceed with the dual-lane approach in anticipation of future developments. Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen acknowledged the complexities involved in rocket development, indicating that bringing new companies on board would take time and effort.