United Launch Alliance

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office successfully launched the intelligence agency’s NROL-145 mission on April 20.
Satellites

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Space Office is planning a launch-based version of its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve effort.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Irene Klotz, Vivienne Machi
The U.S. Space Force awarded seven of nine missions in its next series of high-priority national security missions to SpaceX.
Space Symposium

By Vivienne Machi, Irene Klotz
SpaceX is taking the lion’s share of the first missions assigned under the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 contract.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Irene Klotz, Vivienne Machi
Given price competition from SpaceX, ULA expected to emerge from the Space Force’s NSSL Phase 3 competition with a smaller mission percentage, the CEO says.
Space Symposium

By Vivienne Machi
SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin will provide launch services for the most critical national security missions beginning in 2028.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Graham Warwick
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Emerging Technologies

By Irene Klotz, Vivienne Machi
The newcomers can bid for Lane 1 work once they complete a successful first flight.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Irene Klotz
Deployment of Amazon's Kuiper broadband satellite constellation will kick off with 27 spacecraft slated to launch April 9.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Irene Klotz
On March 26, after a decade of work, ULA's Vulcan was certified for national security space launches. A backlog of missions awaits.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
Rocket Lab and Stoke Space have been added to the U.S. Space Force's list of launch providers eligible for lower-risk National Security Space Launch missions.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Irene Klotz
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket has been certified by the U.S. Space Force to fly high-priority national security space missions.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
The service is investing billions to revamp its launch infrastructure as the demand for rides to space continues to balloon.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
The service has supported a steady growth in its launch cadence and does not see it slowing down in the near future.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Robert Wall, Vivienne Machi, Irene Klotz
The world is headed for a period of launcher abundance as the New Glenn expands rocket choice in the heavy-lift segment.
Commercial Space

By Vivienne Machi
“It’s time to be able to move through space at will and to be able to defend ourselves when we are attacked,” ULA CEO Tory Bruno says.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Irene Klotz
The 2024 launch rate surpassed the 223 orbital launch attempts in 2023, the previous record.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
ULA flew two flights for its Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle in 2024, on Jan. 8 and Oct. 4.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Irene Klotz
The Parker Solar Probe was out of contact with mission controllers during the 6:53 a.m. EST flyby.
Space Exploration

By Graham Warwick
Major events in aerospace and defense during 2024.
Aerospace

By Vivienne Machi
United Launch Alliance is exploring ways to turn its Centaur upper stage into a rocket that can dynamically move around space.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
The first spacecraft from a U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office program to conduct space situational awareness are close to entering operation.
Satellites

By Michael Bruno
It is a far cry from just six years ago when Boeing still was in a roll-up phase.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain

By Guy Norris
The TPS comprises a composite material that combines the strength of carbon fiber with the high-temperature stability of ceramics.
Space Exploration

By Vivienne Machi
Last June, the service awarded the initial NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts worth $5.6 billion to United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin and SpaceX.
Satellites