Falcon 9

The US Air Force (USAF) has approved SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to launch the country’s future space missions, including military and spy satellites.

With this certification, Elon Musk’s company will be one of two certified firms to provide launch services for national security missions.

This approval is considered to break the satellite launch monopoly of United Launch Alliance (ULA), a 50:50 joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

In June, SpaceX will have its first opportunity to bid for a contract to launch GPS III satellites.

USAF secretary Deborah Lee James said: "This is a very important milestone for the Air Force and the Department of Defense.

"SpaceX’s emergence as a viable commercial launch provider provides the opportunity to compete launch services for the first time in almost a decade."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

USAF and SpaceX have worked for two years on the certification process and open competition opportunities for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) programme.

"SpaceX’s emergence…provides the opportunity to compete launch services for the first time in almost a decade."

The certification process allows launch service providers to design and produce a new system, as well as provide assurance to launch national security satellites to intended orbits with full mission capability.

USAF space and missile systems centre (SMC) commander Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves said: "Our intent is to promote the viability of multiple EELV-class launch providers as soon as feasible."

The US has been using Russian RD-180 engines-powered Atlas 5 rocket to launch military and intelligence satellites; however, a new regulation imposes a ban on the use of Russian engines due to concerns about national security. SpaceX Falcon 9 will be an alternative option for the country.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said: "This is an important step toward bringing competition to National Security Space launch."

Image: A Falcon 9 rocket carrying Nasa’s DSCOVR mission. Photo: courtesy of SpaceX.