Recently, the Space Force made a significant change regarding its GPS satellites. The GPS III SV10 satellite, set to launch on the Vulcan rocket, will now fly on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in late April. This decision highlights the urgency for quick deployment of GPS capabilities, especially amidst ongoing technical issues with the Vulcan rocket.
Each GPS III satellite weighs over four tons at launch. The Space Force currently certifies only a few rockets for this vital mission: SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and ULA’s Vulcan. SpaceX’s reusable boosters allow them to fit in new missions quickly, making them a leading choice for urgent launches.
Col. Ryan Hiserote, who oversees the National Security Space Launch program, emphasized the need for flexibility, stating, “We are fully committed to responsive and reliable launches for the nation.” This adaptability is crucial as launch schedules can shift rapidly in the space sector.
This situation marks a notable decline for United Launch Alliance (ULA), which was once the sole provider for the military’s launch needs. Since 2018, SpaceX has joined this competitive space, following a legal challenge against the Air Force for exclusive contracts being awarded to ULA. The military opened up contracts to competition, and in a recent decision, SpaceX secured a majority of contracts, leaving ULA with a smaller share.
Historical trends show that the U.S. military learned the importance of having multiple launch providers after a series of failures in the 1990s caused significant losses. For years, ULA dominated the landscape with its Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. However, with these older models nearing retirement and the Delta IV out of service, ULA’s future remains uncertain.
As of now, SpaceX is considered the most reliable option for assured access to space, despite ULA’s impressive backlog of military contracts valued over $8 billion. This shift reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry, where private firms increasingly take on roles previously held by traditional defense contractors.
For more on the evolving landscape of military space launches, check out this [U.S. Government Accountability Office report](https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-103677) on the state of national security satellite launches and the implications for U.S. defense strategies.
