Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket On-Ramped to U.S. Space Force’s $5.6b National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program
Rocket Lab (RKLB) has been selected by the U.S. Space Force to compete for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, a contract with a maximum value of $5.6 billion through June 2029. The company will participate with its Neutron rocket, a 13-ton reusable carbon composite medium-lift launch vehicle capable of deploying payloads up to 13,000 kg.
As one of only five launch providers selected, Rocket Lab receives a $5 million task order for capabilities assessment. The NSSL program plans to award a minimum of 30 missions within its contracting period, with potential extension through 2034. Neutron's first launch is scheduled for the second half of the year from Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, Virginia, marking the first NSSL program launch from this region.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) è stata selezionata dalla U.S. Space Force per partecipare al programma National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1, un contratto del valore massimo di 5,6 miliardi di dollari fino a giugno 2029. L'azienda parteciperà con il suo razzo Neutron, un veicolo di lancio riutilizzabile in composito di carbonio da 13 tonnellate, capace di lanciare carichi utili fino a 13.000 kg.
Essendo uno dei soli cinque fornitori di lancio selezionati, Rocket Lab riceve un ordine di lavoro da 5 milioni di dollari per la valutazione delle capacità. Il programma NSSL prevede di assegnare un minimo di 30 missioni durante il suo periodo di contrattazione, con una potenziale estensione fino al 2034. Il primo lancio di Neutron è programmato per la seconda metà dell'anno dal Launch Complex 3 di Wallops Island, Virginia, segnando il primo lancio del programma NSSL da questa regione.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) ha sido seleccionada por la U.S. Space Force para competir en el programa National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1, un contrato con un valor máximo de 5.6 mil millones de dólares hasta junio de 2029. La empresa participará con su cohete Neutron, un vehículo de lanzamiento reutilizable de compuestos de carbono de 13 toneladas, capaz de desplegar cargas útiles de hasta 13,000 kg.
Como uno de los cinco proveedores de lanzamiento seleccionados, Rocket Lab recibe una orden de trabajo de 5 millones de dólares para la evaluación de capacidades. El programa NSSL planea otorgar un mínimo de 30 misiones durante su período de contratación, con una posible extensión hasta 2034. El primer lanzamiento de Neutron está programado para la segunda mitad del año desde el Launch Complex 3 en Wallops Island, Virginia, marcando el primer lanzamiento del programa NSSL desde esta región.
로켓랩 (RKLB)은 미국 우주군에 의해 국가 안보 우주 발사(NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 프로그램에 경쟁자로 선정되었습니다. 이 계약의 최대 가치는 56억 달러로 2029년 6월까지 유효합니다. 이 회사는 뉴트론 로켓을 통해 참여하며, 이 로켓은 13톤의 재사용 가능한 탄소 복합체 중형 발사체로 최대 13,000kg의 페이로드를 배치할 수 있습니다.
선정된 다섯 개의 발사 제공자 중 하나로서, 로켓랩은 능력 평가를 위한 500만 달러의 작업 지시서를 받습니다. NSSL 프로그램은 계약 기간 내에 최소 30개의 미션을 수여할 계획이며, 2034년까지 연장될 가능성도 있습니다. 뉴트론의 첫 발사는 올해 하반기 버지니아주 월롭스 아일랜드의 발사 복합단지 3에서 예정되어 있으며, 이 지역에서의 첫 NSSL 프로그램 발사를 의미합니다.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) a été sélectionnée par la U.S. Space Force pour participer au programme National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1, un contrat d'une valeur maximale de 5,6 milliards de dollars jusqu'en juin 2029. L'entreprise participera avec sa fusée Neutron, un véhicule de lancement réutilisable en composite de carbone de 13 tonnes, capable de déployer des charges utiles allant jusqu'à 13 000 kg.
En tant que l'un des cinq fournisseurs de lancement sélectionnés, Rocket Lab reçoit un ordre de mission de 5 millions de dollars pour l'évaluation des capacités. Le programme NSSL prévoit d'attribuer un minimum de 30 missions pendant sa période de contrat, avec une extension potentielle jusqu'en 2034. Le premier lancement de Neutron est prévu pour la seconde moitié de l'année depuis le Launch Complex 3 à Wallops Island, en Virginie, marquant le premier lancement du programme NSSL dans cette région.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) wurde von der U.S. Space Force ausgewählt, um am National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Programm teilzunehmen, einem Vertrag mit einem maximalen Wert von 5,6 Milliarden Dollar bis Juni 2029. Das Unternehmen wird mit seiner Neutron-Rakete teilnehmen, einem wiederverwendbaren Mittelklasse-Startfahrzeug aus kohlenstofffaserverstärktem Kunststoff mit einem Gewicht von 13 Tonnen, das Nutzlasten von bis zu 13.000 kg abwerfen kann.
Als einer von nur fünf ausgewählten Startanbietern erhält Rocket Lab einen Auftrag über 5 Millionen Dollar zur Bewertung der Fähigkeiten. Das NSSL-Programm plant, während seiner Vertragslaufzeit mindestens 30 Missionen zu vergeben, mit einer möglichen Verlängerung bis 2034. Der erste Start von Neutron ist für die zweite Jahreshälfte vom Launch Complex 3 auf Wallops Island, Virginia, geplant und markiert den ersten NSSL-Programmlancierung aus dieser Region.
- Selected as one of only five providers for high-priority U.S. Space Force launches
- Potential to compete for $5.6B contract through 2029
- Immediate $5M task order received for capabilities assessment
- Minimum of 30 missions available for competition through 2029
- Must successfully complete first Neutron launch to compete for actual mission orders
- Faces competition from four other launch providers in the program
Insights
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 selection represents a significant competitive achievement for Rocket Lab in the tightly-controlled defense launch sector. The
What's truly exceptional is Rocket Lab's inclusion despite Neutron not yet having completed its first flight, indicating extraordinary Space Force confidence in their technical approach and development trajectory. The minimum 30 planned missions through 2029 suggests substantial revenue potential per launch, though distribution among providers remains competitive.
This contract effectively places Rocket Lab alongside established national security launch providers, potentially disrupting historical market dynamics in this sector. The timing aligns perfectly with Neutron's development schedule, providing immediate validation for the company's strategic expansion beyond small-payload services with Electron.
Importantly, Launch Complex 3 in Virginia becoming the first NSSL-supporting site in that region provides geographical launch diversification for defense missions - a factor the Pentagon increasingly values for operational resilience. This contract positions Rocket Lab to potentially capture significant defense market share assuming successful Neutron deployment and certification.
This NSSL contract win significantly strengthens Rocket Lab's market position by validating their expansion into medium-lift launch capabilities. While established with 63 successful Electron launches in the small satellite segment, Neutron represents a critical evolution into the more lucrative 13,000 kg payload class that addresses both commercial constellation deployment and high-priority national security requirements.
Being selected as one of only five providers demonstrates remarkable confidence in Rocket Lab's capabilities, especially considering Neutron hasn't yet completed its maiden flight. The Space Force clearly views Rocket Lab's technical approach - particularly its carbon composite construction and reusability features - as offering potential performance and cost advantages over traditional alternatives.
The competitive structure creates a substantial opportunity pipeline without guaranteeing revenue, making successful Neutron development and certification the critical path to capturing actual launch contracts. From a strategic perspective, this represents the completion of Rocket Lab's transformation from niche small-sat launcher to comprehensive launch services provider capable of supporting the most demanding government requirements.
For investors, this development substantially expands Rocket Lab's addressable market and provides a potential pathway to significantly higher launch margins compared to their Electron business. Success in national security launches typically translates to enhanced commercial credibility, potentially accelerating adoption of Neutron across both government and commercial markets.
Rocket Lab’s launch vehicle for the program will be Neutron, its 13-ton reusable carbon composite medium-lift launch vehicle being rapidly developed to meet the demand for high assurance national security missions, and for single and multi-satellite constellation deployment. Designed to deploy payloads up to 13,000 kg, Neutron is being brought to the market at an unprecedented development pace on the foundation of Rocket Lab’s industry leadership as one of the world’s most frequent and reliable launch providers, with 63 Electron launches to date and one of only two
As one of only five launch providers selected for the Department of Defense’s program, eligibility for NSSL Lane 1 includes stringent requirements that aim to develop a diversified, competitive and reliable domestic launch base to provide launch services for its highest-priority national security missions. The program plans to award a minimum of 30 missions within its contracting period through to 2029, with the potential for an extension through to 2034. As part of the on-ramp to the NSSL program, Rocket Lab receives a
Rocket Lab Founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “Supporting assured access to space for the nation’s most important missions has always been the goal with our Neutron rocket, and we’re incredibly proud to selected by the
About Neutron
Rocket Lab’s new reusable medium-lift rocket Neutron is a next-generation challenger to deliver a cost-effective, reliable, and responsive launch service for commercial and government missions. The advanced design of Neutron includes carbon composite for all of the rocket’s major structures and an innovative upper stage that enables high-performance for complex satellite deployments, including the deployment of satellite mega-constellations. The Neutron launch vehicle is a reusable launch vehicle leveraging the technology and infrastructure pioneered by the Electron launch vehicle, which has launched 63 times to date and provides the US government and commercial customers frequent, affordable access to space. Neutron utilizes a unique design that brings the Stage 1 and payload fairings back to Earth as a single, integrated stage. This maximizes cadence in a 13-ton to orbit reusable performance capability. Neutron is powered by nine Archimedes engines on Stage 1, and one vacuum-optimized Archimedes engine on Stage 2. Neutron operates from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 (LC-3) located at
Images: Neutron | Flickr
About Rocket Lab
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, satellite manufacture, spacecraft components, and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier, and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding our launch and space systems operations, launch schedule and window, safe and repeatable access to space, Neutron development, operational expansion and business strategy are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.rocketlabusa.com, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.
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Rocket Lab Media Contact
Murielle Baker
media@rocketlabusa.com
Source: Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
FAQ
What is the value and duration of RKLB's NSSL Phase 3 contract with U.S. Space Force?
How many missions are planned under the NSSL program that RKLB can compete for?
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When and where is RKLB's first Neutron rocket launch scheduled?
