Space Force looks to energize industry with next round of launch contracts Anywhere from 60 to 70 missions are projected for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 procurement WASHINGTON — U.S. Space Force officials will sit down with industry executives in Los Angeles this week to discuss the fine points of the upcoming national security space launch procurement. Companies expect to hear details about the Space Force’s plan to attract new launch providers to compete for as many as 70 missions projected for the 2025-2034 timeframe. “It’s going to be exciting,” Col. Douglas Pentecost, deputy program executive officer for assured access to space, told reporters Feb. 24. The Space Force on Feb. 16 released two draft requests for proposals for the dual-track National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3. One is for lower-end launch missions, and the other for the most demanding heavy-lift launches. Following this week’s meetings with the industry, a second draft RFP will be issued in May, and a final one this summer. The Space Force then will spend about a year evaluating bids. Read More: <a rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" href="https://spacenews.com/space-force-looks-to-energize-industry-with-next-round-of-launch-contracts/" target="_blank">https://spacenews.com/space-force-looks-to-energize-industry-with-next-round-of-launch-contracts/</a>