Blue Origin: New Glenn Selected for U.S. National Security Space Missions

Blue Origin has reached a major strategic milestone: its heavy-lift rocket New Glenn has been officially selected for Phase 3 (Lane 2) of the Pentagon’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program — a significant step in the company’s integration into the U.S. national security space infrastructure. In concrete terms, New Glenn will now support critical U.S. defense space missions.

On April 1, 2025, the Space Systems Command (SSC) of the U.S. Space Force announced that Blue Origin is now one of three providers selected to carry out national security launches between 2025 and 2029, alongside SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA). The contract entrusts Blue Origin with responsibility for orbital missions vital to the Department of Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office, particularly those requiring advanced technical capabilities and maximum reliability.

A Major Milestone for Blue Origin

This marks the first time New Glenn has been included in such a sensitive and strategic program. The decision underscores Blue Origin’s growing role in the military space sector, and represents a major step in the diversification of U.S. space launch providers. Lane 2 of Phase 3 includes the most demanding missions in terms of orbital performance and mission assurance, highlighting the confidence placed in Blue Origin’s still-young launcher by U.S. authorities.

According to the official release, 30 missions will be distributed among the three providers: SpaceX (60%), ULA (30%), and Blue Origin (10%). The total value of the contracts is $13.5 billion, with $2.38 billion awarded to Blue Origin for initial missions, along with additional funding for integration into military infrastructure.

New Glenn Program Progress

New Glenn completed its maiden flight (NG-1) in January 2025, laying the foundation for its certification for national security missions. The next flight, NG-2, is scheduled for late spring 2025, marking another step forward in the rocket’s operational validation.

In parallel, Blue Origin is already involved in other U.S. government programs. Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President of the New Glenn program at Blue Origin, stated:

“It’s an honor to be selected to support the nation’s most critical space assets. This decision validates our technology and our commitment to the national security of the United States.”

With this selection, Blue Origin strengthens its position within the U.S. government space ecosystem. This contract marks a strategic shift: the company founded by Jeff Bezos is no longer just an emerging competitor, but now a fully integrated partner in the most sensitive national defense space operations.

Source

The press release published by Blue Origin on April 4, 2025, can be found [here].