ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Blue Origin\u2019s New Glenn rocket will have to complete four successful orbital flights as its pathway to certification under the U.S. Space Force\u2019s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant said Dec. 10 at the Spacepower conference.<\/p>\n
Garrant, who leads the Space Systems Command, said Blue Origin selected the four-flight benchmark and the government agreed. \u201cThe government is supporting a four-flight certification for New Glenn,\u201d he told reporters. The rocket has logged two successful missions<\/a> so far, and Garrant said a third launch is expected \u201cearlier in the new year than later.\u201d If upcoming flights stay on track, he added, \u201cI think they\u2019re going to be in a fantastic place to become our third certified provider and compete for missions.\u201d<\/p>\n If certified, Blue Origin would join SpaceX and United Launch Alliance as the Space Force\u2019s third heavy-lift launch provider.<\/p>\n Garrant described New Glenn\u2019s progress as encouraging. \u201cI\u2019ve been very pleased with the progress to date,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n How NSSL certification works<\/strong><\/p>\n NSSL certification is the gate every new launch provider must pass before carrying national security satellites. The process is designed to show the government that a rocket is reliable, repeatable and ready for operational use. For new entrants, that usually means technical assessments, flight demonstrations and substantial data sharing to verify that the vehicle performs as modeled.<\/p>\n Although the certification framework is standardized, the specifics are tailored to each rocket. \u201cIt\u2019s a well documented process,\u201d Garrant said, pointing to the New Entrant Certification Guide, which has been repeatedly updated over the past decade. \u201cIt\u2019s a collaborative effort with the government and the launch service provider.\u201d<\/p>\n The number of flights required isn\u2019t fixed. It depends on design maturity, test history, and the government\u2019s risk tolerance. In recent years, the Space Force has leaned toward risk-based assessments rather than formulaic flight counts. A proven design might require fewer launches; a novel architecture could require more.<\/p>\n How New Glenn compares to other entrants<\/strong><\/p>\n SpaceX\u2019s Falcon 9 completed three successful launches and major engineering reviews before the U.S. Air Force certified it in 2015. United Launch Alliance\u2019s<\/a> Vulcan reached certification after two flights, completing its second mission in October 2024 and securing approval in March 2025.<\/p>\n Even after Blue Origin completes the fourth mission, certification won\u2019t be automatic. \u201cIt won\u2019t be like the next day they get certified. There\u2019ll be a significant amount of review,\u201d Garrant cautioned. But if performance stays consistent, he said he anticipates \u201ctimely and quick certification.\u201d<\/p>\n