U.S. Air Force: ~$9.5B for military satellite launch "EELV" — a contract with United Launch Services (ULA) (USAspending)
The U.S. Air Force awarded a contract for "EELV" (FY13 + Phase I Buy), the program that carries national-security satellites to space, to United Launch Services (ULA). The value is about $9.5 billion ($9,499,338,751) — a large award supporting national-security access to space.
Contract key facts
- RecipientUNITED LAUNCH SERVICES, LLC
- Contract value$9,499,338,751 (≈$9.5B)
- BranchDefense-wide
- Awarding agencyDepartment of Defense
- Awarding sub-agencyDefense Contract Management Agency
- Award typeDEFINITIVE CONTRACT
- Period of performance2013-06-26 〜 2022-12-02
- Contract ID (PIID)FA881113C0003
Contract scope (original)
IGF::CT::IGF EELV FY13 + PHASE I BUY
Key points
- U.S. Air Force ordered the national-security satellite launch program "EELV"
- Recipient United Launch Services (ULA), ~$9.5B ($9,499,338,751), June 2013–December 2022 (multi-year cumulative)
- EELV provides "assured access to space" — reliably carrying military/intelligence satellites to orbit
- ULA launches with Atlas V and Delta IV (later evolved into NSSL)
- Large investment in a capability — "access to space" — not just equipment
- A satellite works only once in orbit, so securing the launch capability itself as a nation is what the contract covers.
1The EELV launch program
This contract covers the national-security satellite launch program "EELV" (FY13 + Phase I Buy), performed by United Launch Services, LLC (the services arm of ULA, United Launch Alliance).
2The evolution of expendable launch vehicles
EELV (Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle) is a U.S. launch program to reliably carry military and intelligence satellites to space, aimed at securing "assured access to space." ULA has performed these launches with rockets such as Atlas V and Delta IV (the program later evolved into National Security Space Launch, NSSL).
Space underpins modern military and civilian infrastructure — communications, positioning, reconnaissance — so securing launch capability is central to national security.
3Investing in access to space
This contract shows that large defense spending goes not only to equipment like ships and aircraft but also to a capability: "access to space."
4Building it is not enough if it cannot be carried
Satellites carrying communications, positioning and reconnaissance work only once placed in orbit. What this contract buys is not the satellites but securing the means of getting them there.
- 1Build the satelliteManufacture the vehicle that will carry communications, positioning or reconnaissance
- 2Carry it to spaceWithout the means to carry it, a built satellite stays unused
- 3Secure assured accessHold, as a nation, the arrangement to launch reliably when needed
- 4Use it in orbitIt goes on working as infrastructure of modern military and civil life
EELV is the US launch program for carrying military and intelligence satellites to orbit reliably, aimed at securing assured access to space. United Launch Services, the recipient, is the services arm of ULA, which has carried these launches on rockets such as the Atlas V and Delta IV. The program later developed into National Security Space Launch.
Why it matters
A case where large defense spending goes to a capability, "access to space." Useful for readers tracking space, launch, and satellites, or the national-security space domain. It shows the breadth of defense investment beyond equipment procurement.
FAQ
What data is this?
Is the amount final?
What is EELV?
Sources (primary)
This article is an independent organization based on the U.S. official spending data below. Verify the exact, latest details with the official source.
- USAspending (award details)
- Contract ID (PIID)：FA881113C0003