The first ML-1A Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) satellite, which reached operational acceptance in April 2025. Photo: Space Operations Command

The U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) said on Friday that it has awarded SpaceX a nearly $82 million contract to launch the USSF-178 mission under a National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3, Lane 1 task order.

With its Falcon 9 rockets, SpaceX has become Space Force’s go-to provider of launches.

The USSF-178 “multi-manifest mission awarded to SpaceX makes use of available launch vehicle capacity to efficiently deliver capability to orbit,” SSC said. “This award leverages industry advancements to streamline integration and condense timelines, providing responsive launch options to meet emergent operational needs, including the rapid integration of spacecraft within three months of launch.”

The mission is to include the BAE Systems-built Weather System Follow-on-Microwave Space Vehicle 2 and BLAZE-2 for small satellite prototypes.

USSF-178, the third task order under NSSL Phase 3, Lane 1, is to launch in the first half of fiscal 2027. Other SSC NSSL task order awards for National Reconnaissance Office and Space Development Agency missions are expected this year.

In April, SSC awarded $14 billion in NSSL Phase 3, Lane 2 contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin – more than $5.9 billion for SpaceX, more than $5.3 billion for ULA, and nearly $2.4 billion for Blue Origin.

This was first published by Defense Daily