SSC hosts Industry Day in preparation for National Security Space Launch Published Sept. 4, 2025 Space Systems Command Public Affairs EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AFNS) -- Representatives from 17 commercial space companies joined officials from Space Systems Command Aug. 19 for a National Security Space Launch Industry Day to assist commercial launch service and space capability providers in planning for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 on-ramp opportunities. “The National Security Space Launch program is our nation’s most reliable source for delivering critical space capabilities to the joint forces when and where needed,” said Col. Eric Zarybnisky, program executive officer for Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space. “We continue to look for more flexibility and agility from a variety of launch service providers offering multiple distinct launch vehicles and launch locations, all with the ability to execute rapidly from requirement to launch.” During the event, which took place at the Aerospace Corporation, the NSSL team – including Zarybnisky, Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, materiel leader for Phase 3; Maj. Ryan Watson, Lane 1 technical lead; and Col. Douglas Pentecost, outgoing deputy program executive officer for AATS – shared updates with industry attendees on the most current program information. Later that afternoon, during one-on-one sessions, the NSSL team sought to learn more from emerging launch providers about what capabilities they can bring to the fight. An overview of the Space Development Agency mission was also provided by Kenneth Roads, SDA’s launch program manager. The Industry Day event was designed as a planning opportunity for commercial space companies, prior to officials looking to seek proposals at a later, to-be-determined date. SSC’s AATS manages the Defense Department’s two launch programs: National Security Space Launch and the Rocket Systems Launch Program. Under NSSL, Phase 3, Lane 2, SSC’s AATS has three launch providers currently on contract: SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin. Lane 2 missions are considered “no fail” missions and launch providers must meet stringent criteria to qualify. NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 is designed to encourage new launch providers, through annual on-ramps and missions with slightly higher risk tolerance. Lane 1 provides awardees who can meet a subset of NSSL requirements the opportunity to compete for approximately 20 missions over the next four years via annual task order competitions. Lane 1 consists of multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contracts with an ordering period through Fiscal Year 2029 and a single five-year option that could extend the ordering period through FY34. Lane 1 launch services will be procured via Launch Service Task Orders. The NSSL program has implemented a tiered mission assurance approach on Lane 1 that inherently accepts a higher risk-to-mission success to address mission specific needs. Tier 0 is considered like a commercial launch, with Federal Aviation Administration certification; Tiers 1, 2, and 3 have decreasing levels of risk acceptability and more government oversight. SSC’s initial Phase 3 Lane 1 IDIQ contract was awarded on June 13, 2024, to Blue Origin, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. The first IDIQ on-ramp award for fiscal year 2025 was issued on March 27 to Rocket Lab and Stoke Space. The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 multiple award IDIQ contract provides multiple on-ramping opportunities to allow emerging providers or systems to compete when ready. The second annual Lane 1 on-ramp award is expected in Spring 2026. Requests for proposals will be issued in October 2025, with proposals due in December. Assured Access to Space executes the U.S. Space Force’s core function of Space Access, performing the space lift and range control missions. It secures reliable and responsive launch services to deploy the space-based capabilities needed by our nation’s warfighters, intelligence professionals, decision-makers, allies and partners. Additionally, it operates and sustains resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to project on-orbit warfighting capability through all phases of conflict and to expand U.S. economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Further, AATS delivers servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities that operate in, from, and to the space domain.