Program expansion
The United States Space Force announced that Relativity Space and Impulse Space will join the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, a component of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) effort aimed at increasing commercial competition for defense‑related launches.
Objectives and background
By adding these two firms, the Space Force seeks to broaden the technological base and production capacity of launch vehicles. Relativity Space is noted for its extensive use of 3‑D printing in rocket manufacturing, while Impulse Space focuses on rapid, low‑cost small‑satellite launchers.
Implications for launch services
The inclusion of new providers is expected to shorten procurement cycles and reduce costs for U.S. defense missions. Greater competition should drive innovation and lessen reliance on legacy launch systems.
Next steps
Both companies will now present their concepts and hardware for evaluation and testing by the Space Force. Successful candidates may be awarded contracts for upcoming national‑security launch missions.