The United States Space Force has expanded its roster of national security launch providers, welcoming two new companies to its $5.6 billion launch program. Stoke Space, headquartered in Kent,
Washington, and California’s Rocket Lab USA have been selected to join existing providers Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance in the military’s Phase 3 Lane 1 launch service initiative.

Both newcomers will receive initial task orders valued at $5 million each to evaluate their launch capabilities for future missions. The program’s current ordering period extends through mid-2029, with a possible five-year extension available. This arrangement allows the Space Force to select from any of the five approved providers for its launch requirements during this timeframe.

Stoke Space is developing its Nova rocket, while Rocket Lab’s entry is the Neutron launch vehicle. Neither rocket has yet achieved
spaceflight, as both are still in their development phases. Rocket Lab anticipates conducting its inaugural Neutron launch in late 2025, and Stoke Space could potentially debut its Nova rocket before year’s end.

Space Systems Command’s Lt. Col. Douglas Downs clarified that both companies must successfully complete their first launches before becoming eligible to compete for actual launch service task orders within Lane 1. This requirement ensures that providers can demonstrate practical capability before being entrusted with national security payloads.

For Stoke Space, the selection represents a significant milestone. The company stated that their inclusion in the national security launch program demonstrates their technical prowess and ability to meet the Space Force’s rigorous requirements. Their Nova rocket is being designed as a fully reusable launch vehicle, representing an innovative approach to space access.

The expansion of the Space Force’s launch provider pool reflects the military’s strategy to maintain multiple options for accessing space, fostering competition and innovation within the domestic launch industry. By incorporating both established players and emerging companies, the program aims to ensure reliable access to space for national security missions while encouraging technological advancement in the commercial space sector.

This development is particularly notable for Stoke Space, a relatively new entrant in the aerospace industry, as it positions them alongside more established companies like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which is also based in Kent, Washington. The inclusion of these additional providers strengthens the Space Force’s launch capabilities and provides more flexibility in meeting various mission requirements.

The Space Force’s approach to incorporating new launch providers demonstrates a balance between maintaining proven capabilities through established companies while fostering innovation through emerging providers. This strategy helps ensure the United States maintains its competitive edge in space launch capabilities while supporting the growth of the commercial space industry.

The timing of these additions comes as both Stoke Space and Rocket Lab work toward critical milestones in their respective rocket development programs. Their successful integration into the Space Force’s launch provider network could mark a significant evolution in how military payloads reach orbit, potentially introducing new efficiencies and capabilities to the national security space launch infrastructure.

By expanding its provider base, the Space Force is positioning itself to take advantage of emerging technologies and approaches to space access, while maintaining the reliability and security requirements essential for national security missions. The program’s structure allows for a measured approach to incorporating new providers, ensuring they can meet the necessary performance and safety standards before being entrusted with critical missions.