US Space Force Certifies ULA's Vulcan Centaur and Expands NSSL Program with Rocket Lab and Stoke Space

The U.S. Space Force has certified United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket for national security missions, doubling the number of National Security Space Launch (NSSL) providers. ULA joins SpaceX in this select group after meeting 52 certification criteria, including flight demonstrations and hardware/software audits. The Vulcan Centaur, envisioned as the replacement for the Atlas V, debuted in January 2024 and underwent rigorous testing, including addressing a manufacturing defect in one of its solid rocket boosters. In related news, the Space Force has also added Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, joining Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA. This program allows companies to bid on launch service orders through 2029, with an estimated $5.6 billion in task orders. Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift rocket, while Stoke Space is working on Nova, a fully reusable vehicle. Both companies will receive an initial $5 million task order for capabilities assessment. This expansion aims to enhance launch capacity and foster competition, with opportunities for more companies to join in the future.