Space Systems Command (SSC) recently assigned twelve FY23 National Security Space (NSS) launch service missions under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract. Six missions were awarded to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TL)-B, SDA T1TL-C, SDA T1TL-D, SDA T1TL-E, SDA T1TR-C, and the U.S. Space Force (USSF)-31. Six other missions were awarded to United Launch Alliance (ULA) for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)L-64 and NROL-83, the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) III-08, SDA T1TR-B, SDA T1TR-D, and USSF-114.
There are four SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches. SDA’s Transport Layer will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms. These are the second through fifth launches planned for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer. They will launch using Falcon 9 rockets from the Western range into polar orbit.
ULA and SpaceX continue to provide outstanding launch services with their reliable and innovative launch systems, and we are confident in their ability to maintain the unprecedented 100 percent program success for the NSSL missions assigned for launch in FY25.
SES-STA-INTR2025-02682 [May 23]QuoteKongsberg Satellite Services AS (“KSAT”) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission’s rules1 to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (“STA”) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (“Station”) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (“LEOPs”) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by Northrop Grumman Corporation (“Satellites”). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than September 8, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch.The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (“KSAT”) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission’s rules1 to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (“STA”) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (“Station”) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (“LEOPs”) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by Northrop Grumman Corporation (“Satellites”). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than September 8, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch.The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
3rd 180-day STA for Fairbanks, AK Earth Station for LEOPS for NGC-supplied USPWSA-T1TL Satellites
