The U.S. Space Force has awarded the majority of its 2026 national security missions to SpaceX. The company has secured a $714 million contract for five launches, while rival United Launch Alliance (ULA) won two missions worth $428 million.
This move further strengthens SpaceX’s position in the Pentagon’s most complex spaceflight programme. Under the contract, the company will launch Boeing’s 12th Wideband Global Satcom satellite, three classified payloads for the Space Force, and carry out the NROL-86 reconnaissance mission.
ULA’s assigned missions include the USSF-88, carrying a GPS III Follow-on satellite, and the NROL-88 spy payload.
Blue Origin, which has yet to certify its New Glenn rocket, was once again left out of the programme. The Space Systems Command has stated that the company is unlikely to carry out its first national security launch until fiscal 2027. NASA’s Mars mission this autumn is expected to play a key role in advancing Blue Origin’s certification.
The Phase 3, Lane 2 segment of the National Security Space Launch programme covers roughly 54 missions between 2025 and 2029, with a total value of $13.7 billion. Actual launches are scheduled from 2027 to 2032, giving companies ample time to integrate and prepare payloads.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security...
Central Asia and South Korea are targeting annual trade of $20 billion by 2030, almost double last year’s record of more than $10 billion, fo...
A skyscraper, a six-tower district, and a launch event timed to coincide with Georgian Dream's long campaign for warmer ties with the Trump adm...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Central Asia and South Korea are targeting annual trade of $20 billion by 2030, almost double last year’s record of more than $10 billion, following a proposal at their first leaders’ summit in Seoul.
A skyscraper, a six-tower district, and a launch event timed to coincide with Georgian Dream's long campaign for warmer ties with the Trump administration — even as Washington has kept its distance.
Afghanistan is seeking direct access to Azerbaijani fuel suppliers, increased exports and greater investment as Kabul and Baku move to strengthen economic and private-sector ties.
At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed after a seven-storey apartment building in Gaza collapsed overnight, leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.
Türkiye has completed production of its first lunar spacecraft, with the probe now undergoing tests ahead of a planned launch in early 2027.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment