Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket On-ramped to U.S. Space Force’s $5.6b National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program

Rocket Lab has been selected for the U.S. Space Force’s prestigious National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, it was announced Thursday. The Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is expected to play a key role in the effort.

The contract is a firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement with a five-year ordering period that extends through June 2029. The program has a maximum value of $5.6 billion.

Rocket Lab will use its new Neutron launch vehicle for the program. Neutron is a 13-ton, reusable, carbon-composite, medium-lift rocket currently in development to meet the rigorous demands of high-assurance national security missions and multi-satellite constellation deployments.

The first Neutron launch is scheduled to take place from Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island in the second half of this year. It will mark the first launch vehicle supporting the NSSL program to fly from the region.

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