Space Force broadens security-launch roster with Relativity Space and Impulse Space
TL;DR
The U.S. Space Force added Relativity Space and Impulse Space to the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 pool, expanding pre-qualified options for lower-risk national-security missions; Relativity Space’s Terran R is a mid-lift candidate, while Impulse Space provides orbital transfer vehicles and the Helios upper stage to complement a partner launcher, signaling a shift to integrated transport services and greater commercial competition; Lane 2 remains for the military’s most demanding, fully certified missions.
- Space Force adds Relativity, Impulse Space to national security launch program SpaceNews
- Contracts for July 7, 2026 U.S. Department of War (.gov)
- 2 firms secure $5.6 billion contract to launch national security payloads into space AL.com
- Space Force adds two startups to small, medium launch pool Breaking Defense
- Space Access Awards 2 Contracts to On-Ramp New Providers to National Security Space Launc ssc.spaceforce.mil
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