ULA and SpaceX win contracts worth $739 million to launch military satellites

The United States is aiming to launch a bunch of satellites as part of its national security program between 2021 and 2022 and the contracts for these launch missions have been awarded to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX. These missions are being implemented under the Evolved Expended Launch Program (EELV) and the contracts are worth a cool $739 million. 

The United Launch Alliance is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It received $441.7 million of the total amount to launch SBIRS GEO-5, SBIRS GEO-6 (Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit) and Silent Barker. The SBIRS satellites are intended to provide infrared space surveillance needs as well as missile warning and missile defense. The Silent Barker, however, is a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) intended to improve space situational awareness and satellite threat intelligence.

The rest of the amount, about $297 million will go to SpaceX to launch the AFSPC-44, NROL-85, and NROL-87 satellites. The AFSPC is an air force satellite, whereas the NROLs belong to the NRO, just like Silent Barker. All of these satellites are designed to improve surveillance, reconnaissance and early warning capabilities for the United States.

Companies like SpaceX, ULA, Blue Origin, etc. have kick-started a new commercial space race in a bid to carve out the maximum share of the rapidly emerging market.