SpaceX Falcon Heavy rockets approved to launch secret US satellites

SpaceX may soon take on some of the US government's most important satellite operations. According to Bloomberg, the Space Force has certified SpaceX to launch top-secret spy satellites using Falcon Heavy rockets with reusable boosters. Of course, the advent of reusable Falcon 9s lowers overall mission costs, but it also promises to save federal money by lowering transportation expenses. The Space Force has already saved over $64 million for GPS missions by utilizing reusuable Falcon 9 rockets at Space Systems Command, according to Falcon chief Walter Lauderdale.

The Space Force granted the permission in June, but it wasn't announced until now. SpaceX is able to transport spy satellites on Falcon 9 rockets, although they don't always have the power needed for larger payloads. The Falcon Heavy-based launch is anticipated to occur between October and December, when SpaceX will deploy a National Reconnaissance Office satellite.

The move could be a major if transitory dent in the competition. The Boeing and Lockheed-Martin collaboration United Launch Alliance has yet to receive similar permission for a variant of its Vulcan rocket using Blue Origin engines, despite launching an initial protest against it. Air Force officials are currently assessing the 39 national security missions scheduled for fiscal 2025 through 2027 utilizing Blue Origin motors. SpaceX isn't certain to secure business that would have gone to ULA, but its prior approval might affect any decisions.