Space Force adds two startups to its list of space companies that can bid on its contracts
The Space Force on July 8, 2026 added the rocket startup Relativity and the rocket engine company Impulse Space to its list of approved space contractors, awarding both a $5 million task order to “conduct an initial capabilities assessment.”
The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space Access awarded two additional Firm Fixed-Price (FFP), Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts to Impulse Space and Relativity Federal Inc., a subsidiary of Relativity Space. The two providers join Blue Origin, SpaceX and ULA who were on-ramped in FY24, and Rocket Lab and Stoke Space who were on-ramped in FY25.
…Phase 3 Lane 1 contract provides commercial-like launch services for Space Systems Command’s (SSC) more risk-tolerant missions. The Lane 1 contract focuses on rapid contract award, streamlined integration phases and reduced timelines from award to launch.
What this means is that these two companies will be able to bid on certain projects that are tailored for smaller newer companies in which the Space Force can accept a higher risk of failure.
Back in 2014 the Air Force (which then ran the military’s space operations) was so hidebound it would only entertain bids from one launch company, ULA. SpaceX had to sue to end that monopoly. Even so, for years the Air Force was reluctant to expand this list beyond these companies, which is one reason the Space Force was created. The Air Force wasn’t really interested in space; the War Department needed an agency focused on these assets exclusively.
Since then the Space Force has aggressively expanded this list of approved companies, almost faster than the companies become operational. This has resulted in more launches at lower cost, benefiting both the military and private sector.
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I read somewhere that SpaceX has quit taking new reservations for Falcon 9 launches! The source did not know how long a backlog there was, but guessed that it must be until about the end of 2027. I hope it’s longer than that, because:
– I’m not sure Starship will be ready to pick up the load by then, and…
– I’m not sure anyone else will either!
Of course, this may well not include USSF payloads.