美國太空軍擴大發射供應商名單，Rocket Lab與Stoke Space加入行列

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(Brady Kenniston)

美國太空軍近期宣布，將Rocket Lab和Stoke Space納入其發射供應商名單，為這些公司提供競標未來國家安全太空任務的機會。

新供應商的加入

此前，太空軍已選定SpaceX、聯合發射聯盟（ULA）和藍色起源（Blue Origin）作為發射供應商。此次新增的Rocket Lab和Stoke Space，需在其火箭完成首次飛行後，才能獲得競標資格。兩家公司預計將於今年內進行首次發射。

分階段競標策略

太空軍採取新的發射服務策略，稱為「國家安全太空發射第三階段」（NSSL Phase 3），分為兩個競標通道：第一通道針對類似商業任務，適合新興供應商；第二通道則針對需要更高安全性和性能要求的任務。目前選定的供應商屬於第一通道，但SpaceX、ULA和藍色起源可能也會參與第二通道的競標。

Rocket Lab的最新進展

Rocket Lab近期在不到24小時內，成功從地球兩端發射了衛星，創下快速發射的新紀錄。 此外，該公司正在開發可重複使用的Neutron火箭，計劃於2025年中期進行首次發射，這將使其有機會競逐美國政府價值56億美元的計劃。 

Stoke Space的最新進展

Stoke Space於2025年1月宣布完成2.6億美元的C輪融資，旨在推進其100%可重複使用的中型運載火箭的開發。 此外，該公司成功在華盛頓州莫西斯湖的設施進行了首級火箭引擎的熱試車，這被視為其開發進程中的重要里程碑。 

未來計劃與目標

太空軍計劃在今年春季發布第一通道的任務招標，並預計在2026財年提供更多競標機會。此外，Rocket Lab和Stoke Space各獲得了500萬美元的合約，用於開發任務保證計劃，旨在降低國防部太空任務失敗的風險。

Space Force Expands Launch Vendor Pool, Adds Rocket Lab and Stoke Space

The U.S. Space Force recently announced the inclusion of Rocket Lab and Stoke Space into its launch vendor pool, providing these companies with opportunities to bid for future national security space missions.

Addition of New Providers

Previously, the Space Force had selected SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin as launch providers. The newly added Rocket Lab and Stoke Space must complete their inaugural rocket flights before becoming eligible to compete for contracts. Both companies anticipate their first launches within this year.

Phased Bidding Strategy

The Space Force has adopted a new launch service strategy called the “National Security Space Launch Phase 3” (NSSL Phase 3), comprising two bidding lanes: Lane 1 targets commercial-like missions suitable for emerging providers; Lane 2 is reserved for missions requiring higher security and performance standards. The currently selected providers fall under Lane 1, but SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin may also compete for Lane 2 missions.

Rocket Lab’s Recent Developments

Rocket Lab recently achieved a rapid turnaround by successfully launching satellites from opposite sides of the Earth within 24 hours, setting a new record for swift launches. Additionally, the company is developing the reusable Neutron rocket, with its maiden flight planned for mid-2025, positioning it to compete for portions of a $5.6 billion U.S. government initiative. 

Stoke Space’s Recent Developments

In January 2025, Stoke Space announced the completion of a $260 million Series C funding round to advance the development of its fully reusable medium-lift rocket. The company also successfully conducted a hotfire test of its first-stage rocket engine at its Moses Lake, Washington, facility, marking a significant milestone in its development process. 

Future Plans and Objectives

The Space Force plans to release the first Lane 1 mission solicitations this spring, with additional bidding opportunities anticipated in fiscal year 2026. Additionally, Rocket Lab and Stoke Space have each received a $5 million contract to develop mission assurance plans aimed at reducing the risk of failure in Department of Defense space missions.