On April 23, 2025, the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) successfully launched the NROL-145 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

This launch is particularly significant as it marks the first under the new Phase 3 Lane 1 Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract framework established by SSC's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

The NTO-2 contract for this mission was awarded to SpaceX on October 18, 2024, signaling a new phase in responsive mission timelines for the U.S. Space Force.

The NSSL program, which is overseen by SSC's Assured Access to Space (AATS) office, continues a longstanding partnership with the NRO that dates back to the era of Titan, Atlas, and Delta rockets.

AATS plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliable and responsive deployment of space-based assets, while also maintaining launch and test infrastructures across various conflict phases.

Col. Jim Horne, Launch Execution Senior Materiel Leader, highlighted the importance of the Phase 3 launch in enabling shorter, more responsive mission timelines and facilitating potential new NSSL providers.

In addition to launch operations, the SSC is involved in initiatives related to space servicing and logistics, reinforcing U.S. leadership in the economic, scientific, and defense aspects of the space domain.