Space Force adds two startups to small, medium launch pool

The Space Force has approved California-based startups Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to join the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which handles launches of less critical national security payloads to easier-to-reach orbits. The additions bring the total number of qualified launch providers to seven, joining Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. The Lane 1 program is funded via a $5.6 billion contract vehicle through 2030. Both Impulse Space and Relativity Federal have been granted $5 million each for initial capabilities assessments. Neither company has yet launched satellites, though Relativity expects its first Terran R launch late this year, and Impulse plans to fly its Helios kick-stage on a Falcon 9 in late 2026. The expansion comes amid market disruption from SpaceX's plan to cut off commercial rideshares on Falcon 9 starting in late 2028.