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United Launch AllianceWith more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 131 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
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Astrobotic Selects United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur Rocket to Launch its First Mission to the MoonPittsburgh, Penn., and Centennial, Colo., Aug. 19, 2019 – Astrobotic announced today that it selected United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket in a competitive commercial procurement to launch its Peregrine lunar lander to the moon in 2021."We are so excited to sign with ULA and fly Peregrine on Vulcan Centaur. This contract with ULA was the result of a highly competitive commercial process, and we are grateful to everyone involved in helping us make low-cost lunar transportation possible. When we launch the first lunar lander from American soil since Apollo, onboard the first Vulcan Centaur rocket, it will be a historic day for the country and commercial enterprise," said Astrobotic CEO, John Thornton. Astrobotic, the world leader in commercial delivery to the moon, was selected by NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to deliver up to 14 NASA payloads to the moon on its Peregrine lunar lander in 2021. With this $79.5 million CLPS award, Astrobotic has now signed 16 customers for lunar delivery on its first mission. "Our rockets have carried exploration missions to the moon, the sun, and every planet in the solar system so it is only fitting that Vulcan Centaur's inaugural flight will lead the return of Americans to the lunar surface," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "We could not be more excited to fly this mission for Astrobotic." Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander will launch on a Vulcan Centaur rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch of this mission will serve as the first of two certification flights required for ULA's U.S. Air Force certification process. "This partnership represents a true 'whole-of-government' approach to how our nation is leading the world in space: NASA contracted with a commercial company to land on the moon, who then went on to contract with a commercial company for a rocket built to serve the national security space market," said Bruno. "This highlights the power of our American system of partnership between government and industry to solve the toughest problems and the greatest of our human aspirations."
About Astrobotic
Update: ULA Delta IV GPS III SV02 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 22August 20, 2019The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the GPS III Magellan mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 22 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The 27-minute launch window opens at 9 a.m. ET. Please see the Delta IV GPS III Magellan mission profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nbMUMqeBKM
Launch Broadcast Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
August 19, 2019 Please see mission art and photos of the Delta IV GPS III SV02 mission here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157710353196416 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 8:40 a.m. ET on Aug. 22. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
August 18, 2019 Please see the Delta IV mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/div_gpsiiisv02_mob.pdf?sfvrsn=dea33e8f_2
Launch Broadcast Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
VULCAN CENTAUR ROCKET ON SCHEDULE FOR FIRST FLIGHT IN 2021ULA Submits Proposal for U.S. Air Force's Launch Services CompetitionCentennial, Colo., Aug. 12, 2019 -- At the United Launch Alliance (ULA) factory in Decatur, Alabama, production of the first Vulcan Centaur rocket continues, with shipment to the launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida scheduled for late next year for processing in preparation for its first launch in 2021. "Atlas and Delta rockets have been the backbone of national security space launch for decades, building on a progressive history of technology development and advancement -- Vulcan Centaur will advance this rich heritage," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "Following the successful launch of our 134th mission just last week on our Atlas rocket, we submitted our purpose-built Vulcan Centaur rocket for the U.S. Air Force's Phase 2 Launch Services competition. It is so exciting to see the first flight vehicle coming together at our factory." The Department of Defense has established a selection strategy to ensure a smooth transition to a U.S. engine, while introducing competition, driving down costs and safeguarding continued assured access to space by preventing any capability gaps. Nearly one year ago, the Air Force held a competition and awarded three Launch Services Agreements for public-private partnerships to develop launch vehicles. Phase 2 is the next procurement in the Air Force's strategy. "The nation is facing a contested space environment, and we are unleashing the energy of American ingenuity by developing Vulcan Centaur to meet our nation's need for expanding space missions," said Bruno. "Vulcan Centaur's flight proven design, coupled with innovative technology, is transforming the future of space launch and will advance America's superiority in space." ULA is the nation's only full-range national security space launch provider and is the most experienced, with more than 130 launches and 100 percent mission success. Additionally, ULA and the heritage companies are the nation's only firms who have ever flown the exquisite Category C heavy-class national security missions, thus providing the country with extreme confidence of continued low-risk mission performance. "Vulcan Centaur will provide higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver our unmatched reliability and orbital accuracy precision from our treasured cryogenic Centaur upper stage," said Bruno. "ULA is the best partner for national security space launch, and we are the only provider to demonstrate experience flying to all orbits including the most challenging heavy-class missions, providing the bedrock foundation for the lowest risk portfolio of two launch service providers for the U.S. Air Force." In the factory, the fabrication of the structure for the first Vulcan Centaur rocket continues, and the team recently completed the booster structural test article in Decatur. In Florida, assembly of the new Mobile Launch Platform has begun in preparation for the first launch. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system and support life-saving technology. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch. August 9, 2019 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Launch HighlightsLaunch highlights of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/JR2WhG2m0Q4For the mission photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157709085765986
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Communications Satellite for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems CenterCape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 8, 2019) -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the fifth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 on August 8 at 6:13 a.m. EDT. This marked the 80th successful launch of an Atlas V rocket, which has successfully launched and precisely delivered the entire AEHF constellation on orbit. ULA has a track record of 100 percent mission success with 134 successful launches."The ULA and supplier teams continue to demonstrate the highest dedication to mission success as we overcame several technical issues during the last few weeks," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Thank you to the entire team and our government mission partners for the outstanding partnership and teamwork to deliver these critical payloads to orbit." Producing more than two and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas V 551 configuration rocket is the most powerful in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 rocket has launched groundbreaking missions for our nation—from the critically important MUOS constellation to historic science missions including New Horizons, the first mission to Pluto and the Juno mission to Jupiter. The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters. This mission launched aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle, including a 5-meter large Payload Fairing (PLF) and standing at 197 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the five AJ-60A solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage. ULA's next launch is the GPS III SV02 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center aboard the final Delta IV Medium rocket. The launch is scheduled for August 22 at Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
August 7, 2019 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 8Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 8 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The two hour launch window begins at 5:44 a.m. ET.See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/atlas-v-aehf-5 August 5, 2019 ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 8The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 8 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The two hour launch window begins at 5:44 a.m. ET.Please see the Atlas V AEHF-5 mission profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su1MJ5pbYro
Launch Broadcast
United Launch Alliance Set to Launch AEHF-5 for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems CenterCape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 5, 2019) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the fifth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The launch is planned for Aug. 8 at Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.Producing more than two and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas V 551 configuration rocket is the most powerful in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 rocket has launched groundbreaking missions for our nation—from the critically important MUOS constellation to historic science missions including New Horizons, the first mission to Pluto and the Juno mission to Jupiter. The Atlas V 551 configuration first launched on January 19, 2006 and has launched nine times to date. "Our highest priority is to safely and reliably deliver national assets," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are proud to have successfully launched the first four AEHF satellites, and look forward to launching the newest addition to the constellation in support of our nation's national defense and the warfighter community." The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters. This mission will launch aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter large Payload Fairing (PLF) and stands at 197 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the five AJ-60A solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage. To date, ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 133 successful launches. With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 8Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 8 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The two hour launch window begins at 5:44 a.m. ET.Please see the Atlas V AEHF-5 mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/av_aehf5_mob.pdf?sfvrsn=dea33e8f_2
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:24 a.m. ET on Aug. 8.
Update: ULA Delta IV GPS III SV02 Launch Delay Statement(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., July 17, 2019) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS III SV02 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is delayed, due to an anomaly during component testing at a supplier which has created a cross-over concern. Upon further evaluation, additional time is needed to replace and retest the component on the launch vehicle.Launch of the GPS III SV02 mission is now targeted for no earlier than Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.
ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Launch Delay(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., July 11, 2019) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is delayed, due to an anomaly during component testing at a supplier which has created a cross-over concern. Additional time is needed for the team to review the component anomaly and determine if any corrective action is required to the launch vehicle.Launch of the AEHF-5 mission is now targeted for no earlier than Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019.
United Launch Alliance Adds New Partners for Annual Student Rocket Launch RUAG Space, Airborne Systems to provide payload fairing, parachutes for sport rocketCentennial, Colo. (July, 11, 2019) Two new partners are joining United Launch Alliance (ULA) in an annual event designed to inspire the next generation of rocket scientists, engineers and space entrepreneurs. RUAG Space and Airborne Systems will provide flight components for the Future Heavy Super Sport high-power sport rocket. The rocket, built by ULA interns and mentors, will launch at the 2019 Student Rocket Launch, sponsored by ULA and Ball Aerospace.The Student Rocket Launch is a hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for students ranging from kindergarten to graduate school that simulates a real-life launch campaign. "The Student Rocket Launch provides a chance for students to experience what it's like to work with rockets and payloads, and to learn how collaboration is critical to mission success," said ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno. "It's an honor to work with RUAG Space and Airborne Systems, companies who support critical space missions, to help us inspire the next generation of aerospace industry leaders." The event features the launch of the 35-foot-tall Future Heavy Super Sport, which will carry nearly 30 payloads built by interns at Ball Aerospace and teams of K-12 students from across the country. This year's event will take place July 20, selected in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, at Fort Carson Army Post south of Colorado Springs. RUAG Space, the world's leading independent space product supplier, will provide an aerospace-grade 0.7-meter-diameter carbon composite rocket payload fairing — from RUAG's FlexLine product portfolio — for the Future Heavy Super Sport. FlexLine is a collection of standardized launch structure products designed for the small satellite launch vehicle industry. A 0.7-meter staging module connected to the payload fairing will separate the fairing from the staging module during descent to allow release of the payloads. RUAG Space manufactures fairings and other components for ULA's Atlas V rocket and is the exclusive supplier of composite structures for ULA's next-generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur. "STEM education is an important focus for RUAG Space and this particular event is an outstanding example of how the space industry can come together to help inspire our future leaders and employees," said RUAG Space CEO Dr. Peter Guggenbach. "We are very proud to have our RUAG Space Flexline fairing used for this project as its first test flight." Airborne Systems is donating a system containing two parachutes that will slow and stabilize the rocket as it descends. A pilot parachute will deploy as the rocket reaches its peak altitude of 5,000 feet above the ground. Seconds later, the main parachute will deploy. "This year Airborne Systems is commemorating our 100th year in business, and we cannot think of a better way to celebrate than to support the future bright minds of our aerospace industry," said Ben Tutt, Airborne Systems space and recovery principle design analyst. "The passion, dedication, and grit demonstrated by the interns and students involved in this rocket launch reflect the same qualities that our founder Leslie Irvin displayed when he performed the world's first intentional freefall parachute jump 100 years ago." Look for the #StudentsRockIt hashtag on social media for updates and photos from this year's event.
About ULA For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
About RUAG Space
About Airborne Systems
AEHF-5 Scheduled for July 17, 2019(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., June 28, 2019) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems is now targeted for Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 7:12 a.m. ET, with a two-hour launch window. The AEHF-5 mission will launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.MORE INFORMATION
ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Launch Delay Statement(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., June 23, 2019) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is delayed, due to a vehicle battery failure discovered during final processing. Additional time is needed for the technical team to complete the evaluation of the issue and replace the battery. Launch of the AEHF-5 mission is now targeted for no earlier than Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
United Launch Alliance Announces K-12 Student Rocket Launch PayloadsHands-on STEM Project Culminates with Launch on 50thAnniversary of Apollo 11 Moon LandingCentennial, Colo., (June 20, 2019) -- United Launch Alliance (ULA) has selected K-12 student "payloads" to launch atop its intern-built sport rocket at this summer's Student Rocket Launch. The event, sponsored by ULA and Ball Aerospace, offers a unique, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experience centered on inspiring the next generation of rocket scientists. ULA and Ball selected the July 20 launch date in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The Student Rocket Launch program offers students from kindergarten through graduate school hands-on experience working with rockets and payloads. Payloads are objects, experiments or instruments launched on and deployed (if desired) from the rocket. A payload can be almost anything a team can create within the provided guidelines. Projects this year include data sensors, drones, rovers and a scale model of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module. ULA intern volunteers design, build and refurbish the high-power sport rocket – dubbed "Future Heavy Super Sport" – while volunteer interns from Ball Aerospace and K-12 students design and build payloads that launch on the rocket. "Today's students are tomorrow's scientists, engineers, explorers, innovators and entrepreneurs," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "The Student Rocket Launch gives students from kindergarten through graduate school hands-on experience designing, problem-solving and innovating with the added experience of launching their work thousands of feet above the ground." The 2019 Student Rocket Launch will take place July 20 at Fort Carson, Colorado, which is located south of Colorado Springs. The payloads will launch on the Future Heavy Super Sport rocket, a high-power sport rocket built and refurbished by ULA interns. Since 2009, ULA's summer interns built and launched high-power sport rockets carrying payloads designed and built by Ball Aerospace interns as part of the Ball Intern Remote Sensing Team (BIRST) program. In 2010, ULA opened the opportunity up to K-12 student teams, and the company introduced a competition element in 2018. ULA and Ball interns volunteer to participate in the program in addition to their "day jobs" at the aerospace companies. "The Ball Aerospace interns are an exceptional group of diverse students from 44 colleges and universities, who are pursuing careers in STEM fields that are of importance to the aerospace industry," said Rob Strain, president, Ball Aerospace. "The BIRST program and our long-standing partnership with ULA enable our interns to experience a real-world mission from the design phase of a payload all the way to launch." When submitting their proposals, teams chose whether they wanted to compete for a chance to win up to $5,000 for their school or sponsoring nonprofit organization by guiding their payload closest to a designated ground-based target. Teams choosing not to compete create a payload with a mission objective of their choosing. 2019 Student Rocket Launch K-12 Payload Teams California
About ULA For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
About Ball Aerospace
ULA Completes Final Design Review for New Vulcan Centaur RocketFirst Flight on Schedule for 2021Centennial, Colo., May 20, 2019 – United Launch Alliance leaders and engineers completed an important milestone with the conclusion of the system Critical Design Review (CDR) for the company's new Vulcan Centaur rocket. The system-level CDR is the final review of the design for the overall rocket. "This is a tremendous accomplishment for the ULA team and a significant milestone in the development of a rocket – signaling the completion of the design phase and start of formal qualification," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "Vulcan Centaur is purpose built to meet all of the requirements of our nation's space launch needs and its flight-proven design will transform the future of space launch and advance America's superiority in space." The system CDR was a week-long detailed review of the entire Vulcan Centaur system with the primary focus to verify all of the elements will work properly together as a system. As part of the certification process with the U.S. Air Force, Air Force representatives are included as part of the design review. "ULA's Atlas and Delta rockets have served as the backbone for American space launch for decades and our next-generation rocket will advance this rich heritage," said Bruno. "Vulcan Centaur will provide higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver our unmatched reliability and precision." When the first Vulcan Centaur rocket flies in less than two years, a high percentage of the rocket will have flown before on ULA's Atlas launch vehicle including the fairing, upper stage engines in a dual configuration, avionics, software and solid rocket motors. "Vulcan Centaur brings together the best of Atlas and Delta technology, and we are flying all of the major components that we can on Atlas V first to reduce the risk for our customers on the first flight," said Bruno. ULA and its suppliers have invested in and modernized the factory in Decatur, Alabama, bringing in state-of-the art manufacturing technologies. Flight hardware is already being built for the first flight, and the production is on schedule for the initial launch in 2021. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch. May 14, 2019 STARLINER CREW FLIGHT TEST LAUNCH VEHICLE SHIPPING TO CAPE CANAVERALA United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch U.S. astronauts to space from American soil in the very near future. The Crew Flight Test (CFT) of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner is targeted for later this year and the launch vehicle, manufactured in the ULA Decatur factory, is complete and beginning its journey to the ULA facilities in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for processing for this historical flight.The CFT first stage booster and the rocket's Centaur upper stage will be shipping on the Mariner, the cargo ship that transports the hardware to the Cape.
UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PROGRESSES TOWARDS PURPOSE-BUILT VULCAN CENTAUR FOR NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE MISSIONSFirst Flight Hardware Being Manufactured and Launch on Track for 2021Centennial, Colo. (April 8, 2019) – Today, United Launch Alliance (ULA) CEO Tory Bruno gave an update on the continued progress of the Vulcan Centaur during a ULA media event at the 35th Space Symposium. "As the nation faces growing threats in the space environment, ULA is unleashing the energy of American ingenuity by developing the Vulcan Centaur," said Bruno. "Purpose built to meet our nation's needs for expanding space missions, the Vulcan Centaur's innovative technology is transforming the future of launch and will advance America's superiority in space." ULA's Atlas and Delta rockets have been the backbone of American space launch for decades. Building on a progressive history of technology development and advancement, the Vulcan Centaur will advance this rich heritage. "Manufacturing of Vulcan Centaur pathfinder and qualification hardware in the factory has been going on for nearly a year and just a few weeks ago, the team began to manufacture the first flight hardware," said Bruno. "It is a tremendously exciting time as we watch the first flight vehicle being built." Panelists from key ULA suppliers including Aerojet Rocketdyne, Blue Origin, Dynetics, L3 Technologies, Northrop Grumman and RUAG discussed their timeline, components, state-of-the-art technology and manufacturing techniques as they move forward building and testing hardware in advance of the Vulcan Centaur's first flight in 2021. "The strong team behind the Vulcan Centaur, including ULA's supplier base, is proud to be building a rocket to launch critical American defense assets. Vulcan Centaur will provide higher performance and greater affordability while also continuing to deliver our unmatched reliability and precision," said Bruno. ULA is the nation's only full-range launch provider and is significantly investing in and modernizing the factory in Decatur, Ala., and upgrading launch facilities to be more capable and flexible. "When designing Vulcan Centaur, we took the best of Atlas and Delta and carried that over to our new rocket," said Bruno. "In addition, many of Vulcan Centaur's major components will be flown first on Atlas V missions such as the solid rocket boosters, avionics, software, upper-stage engine and payload fairings, lowering the risk of the first flight." With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 133 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system and support life-saving technology. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch. March 16, 2019 ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Launch HighlightsLaunch highlights of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the WGS-10 mission for the U.S. Air Force can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/re9dEqUUniQFor the mission photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157705984461034 March 15, 2019 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-10 Mission
""We are very proud to deliver this critical asset to orbit in support of the U.S. and Allied warfighters deployed around the world defending our national security," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Thank you to the entire ULA team and mission partners for their outstanding teamwork and dedication to mission success." The WGS-10 satellite, built by the Boeing Company, is an important element of the new high-capacity satellite communications system. Each WGS satellite provides more wideband communications capacity than the entire Defense Satellite Communications System. This mission launched aboard a Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration vehicle, built in Decatur, Alabama, including a 5-meter Payload Fairing and standing at 218 feet. The common booster core for Delta IV was powered by the RS-68A engine, and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage was powered by the RL10B-2 engine, both supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne. Northrop Grumman provided the four solid rocket motors. At liftoff, the main engine and four solid rocket motors comined to produce approximately 1.7 million pounds of thrust. To date ULA has a track record of 100 percent mission success with 133 successful launches. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch. March 14, 2019 Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Mission Set to Launch March 15Good afternoon - The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the WGS-10 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, March 15 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch window begins at 6:56 p.m. ET and extends to 9:05 p.m. ET.See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-wgs-10
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60%
Launch Broadcast
Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Mission Set to Launch March 15Good afternoon – Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the WGS-10 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, March 15 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch window begins at 6:56 p.m. ET and extends to 9:05 p.m. ET.Please see the Delta IV WGS-10 mission art and images here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157705984461034/
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60%
Launch Broadcast March 13 2019 Update: United Launch Alliance Set to Launch WGS-10 for U.S. Air Force
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (March 13, 2019) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket is in final preparations to launch the tenth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force. The launch is planned for March 15 at Space Launch Complex-37 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
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United Launch Alliance — Tower Roll: Delta IV NROL-71The Mobile Service Tower rolls back from the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying NRO's NROL-71 mission in preparation for launch from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.Photo credit: United Launch Alliance |
"Congratulations to our team and mission partners for successfully delivering this critical asset to support national security missions," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs, "thank you to the entire team for their perseverance, ongoing dedication and focus on 100% mission success."
The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lift launch vehicle, delivering high-priority missions for the National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Air Force and NASA. With its advanced upper stage, the Delta IV Heavy can take more than 14,000 pounds directly to geosynchronous orbit, as well as a wide variety of complex interplanetary trajectories.
The mission launched aboard a Delta IV Heavy, comprised of three common booster cores each powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine producing a combined total of more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust. The second stage was powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine.
NROL-71 is ULA's first launch in 2019 and 132nd successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the WGS-10 mission for the U.S. Air Force on a Delta IV rocket. The launch is scheduled for March 13, 2019 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 10:45 a.m. PST on Jan.19.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
"We continue to remedy the technical issues that caused the last scrub of the Delta IV Heavy, and are working with our partners, the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Air Force, to ensure that we fly when it is safe to do so," said Gary Wentz, vice president of Government and Commercial programs, "we understand that this is a high-priority mission for the nation's warfighters and we take our commitment to safety and mission assurance seriously."
The team is currently reviewing all data and has set the next launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 30, 2018.
The team is prepping for a 24-hour turn around on Thursday, Dec. 20, from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The forecast shows a 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch is planned for 5:31 p.m. PST.
Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:24 p.m. PST on Dec. 19. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com *Note: Satellite frequencies changed from previous attempts
The next launch attempt is planned for Wed., Dec. 19, from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The forecast indicates an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The targeted launch time is 5:44 p.m. PST.
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:37 p.m. PST on Dec. 18.
Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:37 p.m. PST on Dec. 18.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:37 p.m. PST on Dec. 18.
Live launch updates and Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance .
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:37 p.m. PST on Dec. 18.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
*Note: Satellite frequencies changed from previous attempts
Centennial, Colo. (Dec.13, 2018) – United Launch Alliance (ULA) has issued its request for student teams from kindergarten through 12th grade to create "payloads" for the 2019 ULA and Ball Aerospace Student Rocket Launch. More than 20 K-12 student teams will have a chance to design, build and launch objects, experiments or instruments on the ULA-intern-built Future Heavy Super Sport rocket next summer. Teams can choose to compete for a chance to win up to $5,000 for their school or sponsoring nonprofit organization by guiding their payload closest to a designated ground-based target.
The Student Rocket Launch program offers students from kindergarten through graduate school hands-on experience working with rockets and payloads. ULA intern volunteers design, build and refurbish the high-power sport rocket – dubbed "Future Heavy Super Sport" – while volunteer interns from Ball Aerospace and K-12 students design and build payloads that launch on the rocket.
Teams can download the request for proposal at https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/intern-rockets. Interested teams should notify the ULA contact noted in the RFP of their interest as soon as possible; the deadline to submit proposals is Jan. 31, 2019.
"At United Launch Alliance, the work we do every day saves lives, enables exploration and connects the world, and these students are the future of our industry," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "The Student Rocket Launch is a chance to experience what it's like to be a part of a rocket launch and mission. These students dream big, solve problems, build hardware, watch their payloads blast off on a rocket and then evaluate the results."
Payloads are objects, experiments or instruments launched on and deployed (if desired) from the rocket. A payload can be almost anything a team can create within the provided guidelines. Past payloads have included everything from a class teddy bear dressed as an astronaut to drones programmed to land at a predetermined location. There is no cost to the students or schools to fly payloads on the Future Heavy rocket, though they are responsible for the cost of materials, travel, etc.
The payloads will launch on the ULA intern-built Future Heavy Super Sport, a 35-foot-tall high-power sport rocket. It will fly to approximately 5,000 feet above the ground, where it will release 27 payloads. Thirteen payloads can compete for the cash prizes and will need to meet special competition requirements; the other payloads will be reserved for teams who want to fly payloads but not compete for the prize.
The Student Rocket Launch gives students and interns design, analysis, test and hands-on fabrication experience in order to encourage participants to pursue technical careers that will be the future of our nation's presence and security in space.
About United Launch Alliance
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
About Ball Aerospace
Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
(Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 13, 2018)– A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is set to launch on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The mission will lift off on a Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch time is 5:57 p.m. PST.
The team is prepping for a 24-hour turn around on Saturday, Dec. 8, from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 8:06 p.m. PT.
View the Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Mission Profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gj3QVKzSWQ
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 7.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-nrol-71
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 7.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates + Webcast ALL TIMES PACIFIC
Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lifter, delivering high-priority missions for the National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Air Force and NASA. With its advanced upper stage, the Delta IV Heavy can take more than 14,000 pounds directly to geosynchronous orbit, as well as a wide variety of complex interplanetary trajectories.
"We are proud to launch this critical payload in support of our nation's national security mission," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "As the nation's premiere launch provider, the teams have worked diligently to ensure continued mission success, delivering our customer's payloads to the precise orbits requested."
This Delta IV Heavy is comprised of three common booster cores each powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine producing a combined total of more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust. The second stage is powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine.
To date ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 131 successful launches.
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 launch artwork located here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-nrol-71
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 7.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates + Webcast ALL TIMES PACIFIC
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 7.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates + Webcast ALL TIMES PACIFIC
ULA is transforming the future of space launch, making it more affordable, accessible and commercialized. The Vulcan Centaur is ULA's next-generation rocket and provides affordability with higher performance, while continuing to deliver on ULA's unparalleled reliability and precision.
In addition, Peller and PaR Systems, ULA's supplier of the new friction stir welders that will be used to manufacture the Vulcan Centaur rocket, will be conducting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new welders.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, 9 a.m. Central Time
Where: 1001 Red Hat Road, Decatur, AL.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Oct. 17, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) mission for the U.S. Air Force lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 on Oct. 17 at 12:15 a.m. EDT. The launch of AEHF-4 marks ULA's 50th launch for the U.S. Air Force; ULA's first Air Force mission was Space Test Program-1 (STP-1), launched March 8, 2007.
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(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 17, 2018) A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 12:15 a.m. ET. Photos by United Launch Alliance |
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"ULA's unparalleled record of successfully launching and placing payloads in orbit signifies our profound commitment to national defense," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "We remain the only launch provider capable of placing our customers' payloads into any national security space orbit, anytime, which we've proudly exhibited through 50 launches for the U.S. Air Force."
"Over the past 12 years, the men and women of ULA have reliably delivered dozens of Air Force payloads into orbit from GPS to WGS, and SBIRS to AEHF," said Gen. Jay Raymond, commander of Air Force Space Command. "ULA's unprecedented 100 percent launch success has directly contributed to our national security. Congratulations to the entire launch team on a successful 50th launch for the U.S. Air Force."
This mission launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter large Payload Fairing (PLF) and stands at 197 ft. tall.
Producing more than two and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas V 551 configuration rocket is the most powerful in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 rocket has launched groundbreaking missions for our nation‹from the critically important Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation to historic science missions including New Horizons, the first mission to Pluto, and the Juno mission to Jupiter.
The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters.
"Today's launch exemplifies ULA's ongoing commitment to 100 percent mission success," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs." My sincere thanks to the entire ULA team and our mission partners who made this, our 50th launch for the U.S. Air Force, possible."
AEHF-4 is ULA's eighth launch in 2018 and 131st successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaisance Office on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. The launch is scheduled for Nov. 29 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 15, 2018) A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force is rolled from the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41. Photos courtesy of ULA.
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See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/atlas-v-aehf-4
See other links below.
Please see the Atlas V AEHF-4 mission profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir6zIbHGTuA
See other links below.
Please see the Atlas V AEHF-4 mission booklet here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/AEHF4_MOB_FinalA.pdf
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 11:55 p.m. ET on Oct. 16.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance
October 12, 2018
Payload Mate: Atlas V AEHF-4 The Air Force's AEHF-4 mission, encapsulated inside a 5-meter payload fairing, is mated to its United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster inside the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance |
Producing more than two and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas V 551 configuration rocket is the most powerful in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 rocket has launched groundbreaking missions for our nation‹from the critically important Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation to historic science missions including New Horizons, the first mission to Pluto, and the Juno mission to Jupiter. The Atlas V 551 configuration first launched on Jan. 19, 2006, and has launched eight times to date.
"ULA continues to serve as our nation's most dependable and successful launch provider," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are proud to launch this critical satellite for the U.S. Air Force, and demonstrate our strong support of our nation's national defense and the warfighter community."
The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters.
This mission will launch aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter large Payload Fairing (PLF) and stands 197 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the five AJ-60A solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage.
To date ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 130 successful launches.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 130 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Centennial, Colo., Sept. 27, 2018 ‒ United Launch Alliance's (ULA) next-generation rocket - the Vulcan Centaur - is making strong progress in development and is on track for its initial flight in mid-2020. The Vulcan Centaur rocket design leverages the proven success of the Delta IV and Atlas V launch vehicles while introducing advanced technologies and innovative features.
"Vulcan Centaur will revolutionize spaceflight and provide affordable, reliable access to space for our current and future customers," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "We are well on our way to the introduction of Vulcan Centaur ‒ the future of U.S. rocket manufacturing. With state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing techniques, this rocket is designed specifically for low recurring cost." The new rocket design is nearing completion, and the booster preliminary design and critical design reviews have been completed. Vulcan Centaur will have a maximum liftoff thrust of 3.8 million pounds and carry 56,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, 33,000 pounds to a geo-transfer orbit and 16,000 pounds to geostationary orbit with greater capability than any currently available single-core launch vehicle.
"Our new rocket will be superior in reliability, cost and capability ‒ one system for all missions," said Bruno. "We have been working closely with the U.S. Air Force, and our certification plan is in place."
Following completion of a competitive procurement, ULA has selected Blue Origin's BE-4 engine for Vulcan Centaur's booster stage. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled booster will be powered by a pair of BE-4 engines, each producing 550,000 pounds of sea level thrust. As previously announced, ULA has selected Aerojet Rocketdyne's RL10 engine for the Centaur upper stage, Northrop Grumman solid rocket boosters, L-3 Avionics Systems avionics, and RUAG's payload fairings and composite structures for the new Vulcan Centaur rocket system.
"We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Blue Origin and look forward to a successful first flight of our next-generation launch vehicle," said Bruno.
"We are very glad to have our BE-4 engine selected by United Launch Alliance. United Launch Alliance is the premier launch service provider for national security missions, and we're thrilled to be part of their team and that mission," said Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith. "We can't thank Tory Bruno and the entire United Launch Alliance team enough for entrusting our engine to powering the Vulcan rocket's first stage."
Vulcan Centaur will bolster U.S. manufacturing by adding to the more than 22,000 direct and indirect American jobs in 46 states supported by ULA programs.
"ULA has chosen the best systems available to create the Vulcan Centaur," said Bruno. "These engines and components will ensure ULA continues to lead the way in space exploration, maintain our record of success and remain America's launch vehicle for our nation's most vital missions."
Vulcan Centaur is ULA's next-generation, American rocket system. As a result of these agreements, the Vulcan Centaur will surpass current rocket capabilities and launch services at significantly lower costs, while still meeting the requirements of ULA's cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Air Force to certify the Vulcan Centaur for national security space missions.
"Strong partners are critical to the cutting-edge innovation that is leading us into the next generation in space and ensuring mission success," said Bruno. "Partnerships with Blue Origin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Northrop Grumman, L-3 Avionics Systems and RUAG will allow the Vulcan Centaur to transform the future of space launch for the government and commercial markets, making launch more affordable, accessible and commercially available."
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
We have some exciting news to share with you! Blue Origin's BE-4 engine has been selected by United Launch Alliance to power the Vulcan rocket. See the statement below from our CEO, Bob Smith, regarding today's announcement.
"Today is a great day for the Blue Origin team. We are very honored that United Launch Alliance has selected Blue Origin's LOX/LNG BE-4 as the engine that will power the first stage of their Vulcan rocket.
United Launch Alliance is the premier launch service provider for national security missions, and we're thrilled to be part of their team and that mission.
We can't thank Tory Bruno and the entire United Launch Alliance team enough for entrusting our engine to power Vulcan. The Blue team is looking forward to developing our production facility for our BE-4 engine in Huntsville over the next year."
Bob SmithIf you want to learn more about today's announcement, here is Blue Origin's tweet, ULA's press release, and footage of the BE-4.
Blue Origin, CEO
Thanks and Gradatim Ferociter! (Latin for "Step by Step, Ferociously" - ed.)
If you were forwarded this e-mail, you can receive it directly by signing up for updates at blueorigin.com/interested
Centennial, Colo., Sept. 27, 2018 – United Launch Alliance's (ULA) next-generation rocket - the Vulcan Centaur - is making strong progress in development and is on track for its initial flight in mid-2020. The Vulcan Centaur rocket design leverages the proven success of the Delta IV and Atlas V launch vehicles while introducing advanced technologies and innovative features.
"Vulcan Centaur will revolutionize spaceflight and provide affordable, reliable access to space for our current and future customers," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "We are well on our way to the introduction of Vulcan Centaur – the future of U.S. rocket manufacturing. With state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing techniques, this rocket is designed specifically for low recurring cost."
The new rocket design is nearing completion, and the booster preliminary design and critical design reviews have been completed. Vulcan Centaur will have a maximum liftoff thrust of 3.8 million pounds and carry 56,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, 33,000 pounds to a geo-transfer orbit and 16,000 pounds to geostationary orbit with greater capability than any currently available single-core launch vehicle.
"Our new rocket will be superior in reliability, cost and capability – one system for all missions," said Bruno. "We have been working closely with the U.S. Air Force, and our certification plan is in place."
Following completion of a competitive procurement, ULA has selected Blue Origin's BE-4 engine for Vulcan Centaur's booster stage. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled booster will be powered by a pair of BE-4 engines, each producing 550,000 pounds of sea level thrust. As previously announced, ULA has selected Aerojet Rocketdyne's RL10 engine for the Centaur upper stage, Northrop Grumman solid rocket boosters, L?3 Avionics Systems avionics, and RUAG's payload fairings and composite structures for the new Vulcan Centaur rocket system.
"We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Blue Origin and look forward to a successful first flight of our next-generation launch vehicle," said Bruno.
"We are very glad to have our BE-4 engine selected by United Launch Alliance. United Launch Alliance is the premier launch service provider for national security missions, and we're thrilled to be part of their team and that mission," said Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith. "We can't thank Tory Bruno and the entire United Launch Alliance team enough for entrusting our engine to powering the Vulcan rocket's first stage."
Vulcan Centaur will bolster U.S. manufacturing by adding to the more than 22,000 direct and indirect American jobs in 46 states supported by ULA programs.
"ULA has chosen the best systems available to create the Vulcan Centaur," said Bruno. "These engines and components will ensure ULA continues to lead the way in space exploration, maintain our record of success and remain America's launch vehicle for our nation's most vital missions."
Vulcan Centaur is ULA's next-generation, American rocket system. As a result of these agreements, the Vulcan Centaur will surpass current rocket capabilities and launch services at significantly lower costs, while still meeting the requirements of ULA's cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Air Force to certify the Vulcan Centaur for national security space missions.
"Strong partners are critical to the cutting-edge innovation that is leading us into the next generation in space and ensuring mission success," said Bruno. "Partnerships with Blue Origin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Northrop Grumman, L-3 Avionics Systems and RUAG will allow the Vulcan Centaur to transform the future of space launch for the government and commercial markets, making launch more affordable, accessible and commercially available."
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
For additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157697184889504
"The Delta II rocket has been a venerable workhorse for NASA and civilian scientists, the U.S. military, and commercial clients throughout its almost 30 years of service," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "This program comes to a close with the final launch of NASA's ICESat-2, but its legacy will continue and the Visitor Complex will help us keep the story of the success of this much-revered rocket in the hearts and minds of the public."
The maiden Delta II took flight on Valentine's Day in 1989, successfully delivering the first operational GPS satellite into space. Since that first launch, Delta II rockets have launched 154 successful missions. Its resume includes several trips to Mars as well as the planet-hunting Kepler, the twin lunar-orbiting GRAIL spacecraft, 48 GPS satellites and numerous commercial imaging and communications satellites.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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From its origin as the launch vehicle for the first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to NASA's Earth observing, science and interplanetary satellites – including Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity – to vital commercial communication and imaging satellites, the Delta II rocket has truly earned its place in space history. "ULA is proud that the Delta II rocket has been a significant piece of history, launching more than 50 missions for NASA," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "I sincerely thank the entire ULA team, NASA, U.S. Air Force, and all of our partners and suppliers who have worked diligently to launch the final Delta II rocket, as well as the dedication of the teams throughout the past 29 years of the program."
ICESat-2 will provide scientists with height measurements to create a global portrait of Earth's third dimension, gathering data that can precisely track changes of terrain including glaciers, sea ice, forests and more. Northrop Grumman built the spacecraft. In addition to ICESat-2, this mission included four CubeSats which launched from dispensers mounted to the Delta II second stage.
This mission launched aboard a Delta II 7420-10 configuration rocket, which included a 10-foot-diameter payload fairing (PLF). The booster for this mission was powered by the RS-27A engine and the second stage was powered by the AJ10-118K engine.
This is ULA's seventh launch in 2018 and the 130th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force on an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 130 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
September 13, 2018
Good afternoon - The ULA and NASA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta II ICESat-2 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta II rocket on Saturday, Sept.15 from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 100 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The 40-minute launch window begins at 5:46 a.m. PT.
Delta II ICESat-2 infographics and launch artwork located here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157697184889504
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:10 a.m. PT on Sept. 15.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
September 12, 2018
Good evening - everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta II ICESat-2 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta II rocket on Saturday, Sept.15 from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 100 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The 40-minute launch window begins at 5:46 a.m. PT.
"This is the end of an era, as we prepare to launch the final Delta II rocket," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "This vehicle has truly created a legacy throughout its history launching NASA, critical U.S. military satellites and commercial clients."
From its origin as the launch vehicle for the first Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to NASA's Earth observing, science and interplanetary satellites – including Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity – to vital commercial communication and imaging satellites, the Delta II rocket has justly earned its place in space history.
ICESat-2, with its single instrument, the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), will provide scientists with height measurements to create a global portrait of Earth's third dimension, gathering data that can precisely track changes of terrain including glaciers, sea ice, forests and more. Northrop Grumman built the spacecraft. In addition to ICESat-2, this mission includes four CubeSats which will launch from dispensers mounted to the Delta II second stage.
This mission will launch aboard a Delta II 7420-10 configuration rocket, which includes a 10-foot-diameter payload fairing (PLF). The booster for this mission is powered by the RS-27A engine and the second stage is powered by the AJ10-118K engine.
To date ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 129 successful launches.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
9/11/2018
Good afternoon - everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta II ICESat-2 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta II rocket on Saturday, Sept.15 from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The 40-minute launch window begins at 5:46 a.m. PT.
Please see the Delta II ICESat-2 mission booklet here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/MOB_ICESat2.pdf
Launch Broadcast
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:10 a.m. PT on Sept. 15.
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
The Viasat mission will carry one of the ViaSat-3 series spacecraft and is scheduled to launch in the 2020 - 2022 timeframe from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This mission will launch aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle, the largest in the Atlas V fleet. The 551 configuration provides the performance to deliver a ViaSat-3 satellite into a high-energy geostationary transfer orbit where it can begin on-orbit operations faster than with other available launch vehicles.
The selection of Atlas V for one of the ViaSat-3 missions is the next step in implementing Viasat's integrated launch strategy which is designed to ensure the on-time launch of all of the ViaSat-3 spacecraft through launch vehicle diversity and an integrated approach to launch planning. Viasat will announce specific mission assignments for each of the contracted launch vehicles at a later date.
"ULA continues to demonstrate schedule certainty and flexibility, as well as be a trustworthy and reliable business partner. This coupled with unmatched Atlas V launch vehicle reliability and tailored mission design capabilities made ULA a strong partner for a ViaSat-3 launch mission," said Dave Ryan, president, Space Systems at Viasat. "ULA is known for providing an innovative launch solution that is focused on mission success, which will allow us to meet our business objectives to bring high-speed, high-quality broadband connectivity to meet end-user demand."
"ULA's Atlas V launch vehicle is the most reliable launch vehicle in the world and we could not be more pleased that Viasat, a leading satellite broadband innovator, has recognized the value the Atlas V can offer, and decided to select this rocket to launch its critical commercial communications satellite," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO.
The ViaSat-3 class of Ka-band satellites is expected to provide unprecedented capabilities in terms of service speed and flexibility for a satellite platform. The first two satellites will focus on the Americas and on Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), respectively, with the third satellite planned for the APAC region, completing Viasat's global service coverage. Each ViaSat-3 class satellite is expected to deliver more than 1-Terabit per second of network capacity, and to leverage high levels of flexibility to dynamically direct capacity to where customers are located.
Atlas V has launched 78 missions with 100 percent success including 17 successful commercial missions. The workhorse rocket also delivered critical science missions for NASA such as Mars Science Lab, Pluto New Horizons and Mars InSight, and critical missions for the Department of Defense including Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS).
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. For more than 30 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate. Today, the Company is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, secure, affordable, fast connections to impact people's lives anywhere they are‹on the ground, in the air or at sea. To learn more about Viasat, visit: www.viasat.com, go to Viasat's Corporate Blog, or follow the Company on social media at: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
About ULA
With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 129 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include among others, statements about the relationship between Viasat and ULA; launch or in-orbit date; the ViaSat-3 class satellite for APAC, which has yet to be ordered; and the performance, capabilities and anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-3 class satellite platform, expected capacity, service, speeds, coverage, flexibility and other features of the ViaSat-3 constellation. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the ViaSat-3 satellite platform, unexpected expenses or delays related to the satellite system, the ability to successfully implement Viasat's business plan for broadband satellite services on Viasat's anticipated timeline or at all, including with respect to the ViaSat-3 satellite platform; and risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of ViaSat-3 and Viasat's other satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in Viasat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including Viasat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Viasat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Copyright © 2018 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Viasat is a registered trademark of Viasat, Inc.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 12, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying NASA's Parker Solar Probe spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 on Aug. 12 at 3:31 a.m. EDT. NASA selected ULA's Delta IV Heavy for its unique ability to deliver the necessary energy to begin the Parker Solar Probe's journey to the sun.
The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lift launch vehicle, delivering high-priority missions for NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. With its advanced cryogenic upper stage, Delta IV Heavy can deliver more than 14,000 pounds directly to geosynchronous orbit, as well as a wide variety of complex interplanetary trajectories.
"The unique requirements of this mission made the Delta IV Heavy the perfect launch vehicle to deliver Parker Solar Probe into orbit with the highest precision," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Congratulations to our team and mission partners, we are proud to launch this exceptional spacecraft that will provide invaluable scientific information benefiting all of humankind."
This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Heavy, which is comprised of three common core boosters each powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne (AR) RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines producing a combined total of more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust. The second stage was powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine. Due to the extremely high energy required for this mission, the Delta IV Heavy's capability was enhanced by a powerful third stage provided by Northrop Grumman.
This was the 37th launch of the Delta IV rocket, and the 10th in the Heavy configuration. It also marks ULA's sixth launch in 2018 and the 129th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the ICESat-2 mission for NASA on what will be the final Delta II mission. The launch is scheduled for Sept.15 at Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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The launch is planned for Sunday, Aug. 12 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 3:31 a.m. ET.
Please see the Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe mission art here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/41811933860/in/album-72157699429674795/
Please see the Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe mission booklet here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/divh_parkersolarprobe_mob.pdf
Launch Broadcast:
Live launch coverage will begin at 3 a.m. ET on Aug. 11.
Web cast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 7, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket is in final preparations to launch NASA's Parker Solar Probe from Space Launch Complex-37 on Aug. 11. NASA selected ULA's Delta IV Heavy for its unique ability to deliver the necessary energy to begin the Parker Solar Probe's journey to the sun. After launch, the spacecraft will orbit directly through the solar atmosphere – the corona – closer to the surface than any human-made object has ever gone.
"ULA is honored to launch the one-of-a-kind Parker Solar Probe," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "Only the Delta IV Heavy possesses the capability to deliver this unique mission to orbit, and we are proud to provide unmatched launch services to our NASA mission partners."
The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lifter, delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office and NASA. With its advanced upper stage, Delta IV Heavy can take more than 14,500 pounds directly to geosynchronous orbit, as well as a wide variety of complex interplanetary trajectories.
This Delta IV Heavy is comprised of three common core boosters each powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne (AR) RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine, producing a combined total of more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust. The second stage is powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine. Due to the extremely high energy required for this mission, the Delta IV Heavy's capability will be augmented by a powerful third stage provided by Northrop Grumman.
This will be the 37th launch of the Delta IV rocket, and the 10th in the Heavy configuration. To date ULA has a track record of 100 percent mission success with 128 successful launches.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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| Working on their own time, ULA interns designed, built and launched the Future Heavy SS rocket with the guidance of mentors. Ball Aerospace mentors volunteered their time to create and test their payloads. Altogether, more than 30 interns and 12 mentors from ULA and 34 interns and 23 mentors from Ball made the 2018 event possible. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance |
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| The Future Heavy Super Sport (SS) rocket lifts off on July 14, 2018, at Lake Meredith Colorado, as part of the 10th annual Student Rocket Launch. The experience is designed to simulate a real-life launch campaign and inspire students from kindergarten to graduate school to pursue careers in STEM. The rocket, built by interns at United Launch Alliance (ULA), launched 33 payloads (onboard objects, experiments or instruments that may deploy from the rocket) over Lake Meredith, Colorado. Interns from Ball Aerospace and K-12 students from Colorado, California and New Mexico. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance |
Working on their own time, ULA interns designed, built and launched the Future Heavy SS rocket with the guidance of mentors. Ball Aerospace mentors volunteered their time to create and test their payloads. Altogether, more than 30 interns and 12 mentors from ULA and 34 interns and 23 mentors from Ball made the 2018 event possible.
"I've been building rockets since I was a kid, and it was incredibly influential to my choice to go into aerospace as a career," said Tory Bruno, ULA CEO and president. "This partnership with ULA and Ball lets students at all levels a chance to see what it's like to design, build, test and learn from that process – with the added motivation that their work launches on a rocket."
Three of the largest payloads were built by Ball Aerospace interns as part of the Ball Intern Remote Sensing Team (BIRST) program. Additional payloads were built by K-12 students from California, Colorado and New Mexico.
"It has been a pleasure collaborating with ULA on the student rocket launch for the past 10 years," said Rob Strain, president, Ball Aerospace. "This exciting opportunity for our interns is a fun learning experience for them to understand what a career in aerospace is like by participating in a program from concept to launch."
In honor of the 10th anniversary event, ULA introduced a twist – a payload competition for K-12 teams. Eleven teams competed to win up to $5,000 by designing a craft to return the payload to a pre-appointed location near the launch site. The payloads were too widely dispersed to measure distance accurately, so team scores on pre-launch design reviews determined the winners.
This year's winners:
United Launch Alliance
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch, and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Ball Aerospace
Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go Beyond with Ball.® For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
The new contract covers 600 bargaining unit employees from District Lodges #75 and #166, which includes Locals #44, #610 and #2786 performing work on the Atlas V, Delta II, Delta IV and Vulcan Centaur product lines at both East and West Coast ULA launch sites and Decatur, Alabama, manufacturing facility. The contract becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 7. Negotiations on the new contract officially started April 16 and ended April 26. On May 6 the ratification vote was held in all geographical locations covered by this contract and the employees voted to go on strike. Following meetings on May 15 and 16, union negotiators recommended the new contract and today members voted to accept the new contract.
"We are pleased that the IAM represented employees have ratified this agreement that is so critical to continuing ULA's success," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "The represented employees' contributions have propelled ULA forward in delivering critical capabilities for our nation and our customers. Our employees build the best, most reliable rockets flying today and the missions we launch save lives, explore the universe, connect the world and help humankind unlock its potential in space.
"We believe this contract will help secure our place as the go-to provider for launching people and one-of-a-kind payloads into space well into the future. We are excited and proud to work alongside an engaged team that is setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the space industry," Bruno added.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch, and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
"ULA and Aerojet Rocketdyne have a long and successful history together that began with the first flight of our Atlas and Delta rockets in the 1960s," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "We could not be more pleased to have selected the proven and reliable RL10 to power our Vulcan Centaur upper stage."
This partnership is a long-term agreement for Aerojet Rocketdyne to provide upper stage propulsion for the next decade. As part of this partnership, Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide RL10s and develop the RL10C-X, the next generation of the RL10 family. The RL10C-X will increase the use of additive manufacturing and introduce other advanced technologies to improve the quality, reliability, affordability and performance.
"Key determining factors to our selection included price and delivery schedule," said Bruno. "We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to ensure a successful introduction of Vulcan Centaur."
Over the course of nearly 60 years, more than 450 RL10 engines have flown on various ULA heritage vehicles with an unmatched record of mission success.
ULA continues its competitive procurement process for the booster engine and plans to make a down select soon.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
For additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157690619142190
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| ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the InSight mission for NASA. |
ULA and its heritage rockets have launched every U.S. spacecraft to the Red Planet since the 1960s, including Mars Science Lab, as well as the Spirit and Opportunity rovers. This was the 10th Mars launch on an Atlas rocket, and the fourth by the Atlas V following the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2005, the Curiosity rover in 2011 and the MAVEN orbiter in 2013.
In addition to InSight, the mission included two CubeSats which launched from dispensers mounted on the aft bulkhead carrier on the Atlas V Centaur second stage.
The Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats, designed and built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, are the first to travel interplanetary.
"ULA is proud to have been a key part of this mission to explore our universe and unlock possibilities in space that will benefit all of humankind," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "I want to express my sincerest thanks to the entire ULA team, NASA and all our partners and suppliers for their exceptional teamwork and dedication to another successful mission."
This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 configuration vehicle, which includes a 4-meter Payload Fairing (PLF). The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage.
This is the 78th launch of the Atlas V rocket, ULA's fifth launch in 2018 and the 128th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the Parker Solar Probe mission for NASA on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than July 31 at Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the Nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 80%
Primary concerns: Launch Visibility
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 80%
Primary concern: Launch Visibility
Launch Broadcast
Live launch coverage will begin at 3:30 a.m. PT on May 5.
Web cast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
InSight infographics and launch artwork located here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157690619142190
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 80%
Primary concerns: Launch Visibility
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 80%
Primary concern: Launch Visibility
Launch Broadcast
Live launch coverage will begin at 3:30 a.m. PT on May 5.
Web cast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 80%
Primary concerns: Launch Visibility
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 80%
Primary concern: Launch Visibility
Launch Broadcast
Live launch coverage will begin at 3:30 a.m. PT on May 5.
Web cast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
Please see the Atlas V InSight mission booklet here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/mob_insightfinal.pdf
Launch Broadcast
Live launch coverage will begin at 3:30 a.m. PT on May 5.
Web cast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
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Photo by United Launch Alliance A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the AFSPC-11 mission for the U.S. Air Force lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 7:13 p.m. ET on April 14. |
"Today's launch is a testament to why the ULA team continually serves as our nation's most reliable and successful launch provider for our nation's most critical space assets," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "I want to thank the entire ULA team, and the phenomenal teamwork of our mission partners."
This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter large Payload Fairing (PLF). The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the five AJ-60A solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage.
This is the 77th launch of the Atlas V rocket, ULA's 4th launch in 2018 and the 127th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
ULA's next launch is the InSight mission for NASA on an Atlas V rocket. The launch is scheduled for May 5 at Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the Nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 125 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
4/13/18ULA Atlas V AFSPC-11 Mission Set to Launch April 14Good afternoon — Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-11 mission. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, April 14 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's L-1 forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 7:13 p.m. ET.
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4/13/2018
ATLAS V TO LAUNCH AFSPC-11
Mission Description: Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-11 is a multi-manifested mission. The forward spacecraft is referred to as CBAS (Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM) and the aft spacecraft is EAGLE (ESPA Augmented GEO Laboratory Experiment). Launch Notes: AFSPC-11 will mark the 77th launch of the Atlas V rocket since its inaugural launch in 2002 and the eighth in the 551 configuration, which produces more than 2.5 million pounds of thrust off the launch pad. This mission will be ULA's 127th since the company was founded in December 2006. Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch; hashtag #AtlasV. Go Atlas! Go Centaur! Go AFSPC-11! |
-11-mission-12.jpg "Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-11 mission")