EELV / NSSL

Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle / National Security Space Launch

The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, now known as the National Security Space Launch (NSSL), was founded by the USAF in 1994 to replace older launch vehicles and to reduce cost of national security launches.

Rockets initially devloped for the EELV program where the Boeing Delta IV and the Lockheed Martin Atlas V. Production of both rockets was moved to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) joint venture in 2003.

In 2015 SpaceX certified its Falcon 9 rocket for EELV launches, followed by the Falcon Heavy in 2019. In light of the availability of reusable rockets to the program and the transfer of the program to the US Space Force (USSF) in 2019, its name was changed to National Security Space Launch.

As of writing next generation launchers by Blue Origin and ULA are in development for the NSSL. A design by Northrop Grumman was not selected for further development.