Blue Origin’s New Glenn vehicle rolled out and upended for the first time in February 2024 to undergo a series of tanking and mechanical system tests. Photo: Blue Origin

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command awarded the second on-ramp to its Orbital Services Program (OSP)-4 contract to Blue Origin and Stoke Space Technologies on July 3. This brings the number of launch providers to 12 that are eligible to compete for task orders under the potential $986 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract.

So far, the Space Force has awarded seven missions under the OSP-4 contract valued at more than $190 million, with launches conducted by Northrop Grumman, the former Virgin Orbit National Systems, and Firefly Aerospace. Northrop Grumman has received task orders for two additional launches, and Astra Space and Rocket Lab have each received an award for future launches.

ABL Space Systems, Aevum, Relativity Space, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and X-Bow Systems are also on the OSP-4 contract.

The latest awards were made by the Space Forces Small Launch and Targets Division, which is part of Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space program executive office.

OSP-4 is part of the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) and allows the rapid acquisition of launch services for payloads 400 pounds and greater, although the missions are typically focused on small launch capabilities, SSC said. Launches are expected within one to two years of task order award, and task orders can be tailored to meet faster timelines for Tactically Response Space missions, the command said.

“RSLP continues to serve as a complement to the National Security Space Launch Program, providing access to a wide range of solutions that may not be available through other programs,” Lt. Col. Steve Hendershot, chief of SSC’s Small Launch and Targets Division, said in a statement. “We’re known for our proud tradition of supporting orbital and suborbital launch needs including experimental and operational missions.”

This story was first published by Defense Daily.