ULA Website United Launch Alliance Denver, Colorado: Headquarters with program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida: Launch operations Decatur, Alabama: Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations Harlingen, Texas: Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations Vandenberg Air Force Base: : Launch operations With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 142 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable GPS navigation.

United Launch Alliance

Webmaster is retiring after 24.5 years. The SpaceX Press Releases reported here are discontinued. Please see their information on the SpaceX Twitter feed and the links above. And, please explore the gray links at the top of the page for in-depth information about many things in our community. News From ULA SPECIAL ADD - May 19, 2022 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Boeing CST-100 Starliner on Orbital Flight Test-2 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (May 19, 2022) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V carrying Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, lifted off on May 19 at 6:54 p.m. EDT, from Space Launch Complex-41 (SLC) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date ULA has launched 150 times with 100 percent mission success. This marks the 93rd successful launch of an Atlas V rocket, and the 104th launch from SLC-41. “The integrated NASA, Boeing, and ULA team has worked diligently to ensure the highest level of safety for future astronaut crews,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This launch is a critical step towards future human spaceflight onboard Atlas V and we look forward to the remainder of this mission. Thank you to all of our mission partners for the outstanding teamwork to deliver this spacecraft to orbit.” The Atlas V rocket delivered the Boeing Starliner spacecraft to a 98-nautical mile (nmi) sub-orbital trajectory. Following separation from the Atlas V, the Starliner engines ignited to put the Starliner on its orbital path toward the ISS. Producing more than one and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the Atlas V configuration was modified specifically for the Starliner spacecraft. ULA's next launch is the USSF-12 mission for the U.S. Space Force, planned for June 29, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching 150 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. The technologies we launch protect our country and troops in the battlefield, enable search and rescue, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, deliver cutting-edge commercial services, and expand our understanding of the Earth. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary. 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. Photos available on the ULA Flickr page. ARCHIVED ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno Testifies to U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Aviation Subcommittee Bruno’s Full Testimony Provides Key Recommendations as Industry Looks to the Future Centennial, Colo., June 16, 2021 – Today, United Launch Alliance (ULA) President and CEO Tory Bruno spoke to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation regarding the role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in promoting U.S. commercial space transportation and ensuring the highest levels of public safety. Read the full testimony. ULA has an unmatched record of 100 percent mission success with 144 launches for the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial customers and occupies a uniquely impressive position in U.S. space transportation. The company remains the only launch provider currently capable of meeting all national security launch needs and has launched every successful U.S. mission to Mars. As the nation’s most experienced commercial launch provider, ULA provided comments on the recent Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirements rule. “The future success of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry depends upon the efficiency and effectiveness of FAA licensing,” Bruno shared with the Committee. “So I applaud the organization for rising to the challenge by finding ways to reduce regulatory burdens and their attendant costs, in addition to assigning the highest priority to safety and protecting national interests.” Bruno testified to the importance of enforcement of safety regulations, “In order to maintain the integrity of the licensing process, we need effective enforcement... it is vital that Congress provides FAA the support it needs to conduct effective oversight and enforcement of the licensing process. Responsible operators will comply with FAA regulations and licenses. Those who do not should face enforcement and impactful consequences.” The advent of vast constellations of satellites in Low Earth Orbit has brought new opportunities to daily life here on Earth, but has raised concerns about increased risks of collisions and consequent debris, that could not only increase threats to astronauts and space objects, but also further complicate the transit of launch vehicles and payloads to their destinations and the safe disposal of rocket stages, and even render the affected orbits unusable for decades. “As a launch provider, we have a vested interest in protecting the orbital regime so we can continue launching responsible customers to space.” Bruno said. “One way ULA remains proactive on this front is by safely disposing of our second stage rockets by placing them in a graveyard orbit or conducting a controlled reentry where most of the stage disintegrates over the remote, deep ocean.” The foundational role of Congress is of crucial importance to the success of the FAA in regulating and promoting U.S. commercial space transportation. “U.S. commercialization of space transportation has been possible, only because Congress has remained committed to ensuring that our nation enjoys the countless, vitally important benefits enabled by this fast-growing industry, while maintaining safety as the highest priority and protecting our national security and foreign policy.” Bruno stated. Foreign governments and multilateral organizations also have important roles to play, as the United States does not have a monopoly on satellite constellations, and accordingly, the existing international rules of conduct for space activities are revisited and new ones considered for this burgeoning area. “It is profoundly in the interest of the United States that, with the invaluable input of the FAA, our government lead the way in confronting the issues presented by megaconstellations,” added Bruno. Bruno was called to testify to the committee to share his more than 35 years of experience in the aerospace, as well as provide key guidance and share his vision for the emerging state of the launch industry. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. UPDATE: United Launch Alliance STP-3 Mission Update (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., June 4, 2021) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the STP-3 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has been delayed to evaluate launch vehicle readiness. We are working with our customer to determine the next available launch opportunity. May 18, 2021 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission in Support of National Security ULA continues to reliably launch critical capabilities for the U.S. Space Force Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (May 18, 2021) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO) Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) lifted off on May 18 at 1:37 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date ULA has launched 144 times with 100 percent mission success. “Thank you to our mission partners for the tremendous teamwork as we processed and launched this asset that provides powerful surveillance and critical capabilities to protect our warfighters,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We are proud to work with the U.S. Space Force to continue to meet the national security needs of our country.” The mission launched on an Atlas V 421 configuration rocket that included a 13.7-ft (4-m) Extra Extended Payload Fairing (XEPF). The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the RL10C-1-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage and the two AJ-60A solid rocket boosters. Roll to Pad Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (May 18, 2021) A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41at 1:37 p.m. EDT on May 18. Photos by United Launch Alliance This was the 87th launch of the Atlas V rocket and the 72nd Atlas V to launch from Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida. ULA’s next launch is the Space Test Program (STP)-3 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center, planned for June 23, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Photos available on the ULA Flickr page. Please see the mission gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157718895459567 May 18, 2021 Update: ULA Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Set to Launch May 18 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off today, Tues., May 18 at 1:31 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Ground Winds Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #AtlasV #SBIRS #SBIRSGEO5 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:11 p.m. EDT on May 18. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance May 17, 2021 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Scrub Statement - Rescheduled for Tues., May 18 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., May 17, 2021) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has been scrubbed. During Centaur liquid oxygen (LOX) chilldown operations, the team identified an anomalous system response that could not be resolved within the launch window. Launch is now scheduled for 1:31 p.m. EDT on Tues., May 18, 2021. May 16, 2021 L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Set to Launch May 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, May 17 at 1:35 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #AtlasV #SBIRS #SBIRSGEO5 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:15 p.m. EDT on May 17. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance MAY 15, 2021 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Set to Launch May 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, May 17 at 1:35 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #AtlasV #SBIRS #SBIRSGEO5 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:15 p.m. EDT on May 17. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance United Launch Alliance to Launch SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission in Support of National Security ULA continues to launch critical capabilities for the U.S. Space Force Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (May 15, 2021) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO) Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). The launch is on track for May 17 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch is planned for 1:35 p.m. EDT. The live launch broadcast begins at 1:15 p.m. EDT on May 17 at www.ulalaunch.com. “We take our role in national security very seriously and pride ourselves in being partners in space with the U.S. Space Force. We are launching critical capabilities for the warfighter and understand the need for reliability and consistency," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This mission marks our 91st launch in support of national security space. As we prepare to launch the fifth SBIRS mission, we thank our partners for their outstanding teamwork and collaboration.” ULA has launched all SBIRS GEO satellites to date and will launch this fifth and the sixth satellite to complete the constellation. The SBIRS constellation, built by Lockheed Martin, consists of a network of GEO satellites and HEO payloads that provide persistent, infrared surveillance – as well as sophisticated ground control systems that manage the data – to support missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence. Additionally, SMC’s Mission Manifest Office, in partnership with the United States Air Force Academy, will be flying the EZ-3 and EZ-4 flight systems on this mission. The mission will launch on an Atlas V 421 configuration rocket, that includes a 13.7-ft (4-m) Extra Extended Payload Fairing (XEPF) and stands 194 ft. (59 meters) tall. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the RL10C-1-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage and the two AJ-60A solid rocket boosters. This will be the 87th launch of the Atlas V rocket and the 72nd Atlas V to launch from Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida. To date ULA has launched 143 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Photos available on the ULA Flickr page. L-3 Update: ULA Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Progressing Toward Launch May 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is planned to lift off on Monday, May 17 at 1:35 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #AtlasV #SBIRS #SBIRSGEO5 Launch and processing photos are available on the ULA Flickr page. These can be used with photo credit to United Launch Alliance. Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:15 p.m. EDT on May 17. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance May 13, 2021 L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission Progressing Toward Launch May 17 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile System Center. The mission is planned to lift off on Monday, May 17 at 1:35 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #AtlasV #SBIRS #SBIRSGEO5 Launch and processing photos are available on the ULA Flickr page. These can be used with photo credit to United Launch Alliance. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance April 27, 2021 United Launch Alliance Honors Three Suppliers with Small Business Excellence Award Centennial, Colo., April 27, 2021 – United Launch Alliance recently honored three suppliers with a 2020 Small Business Excellence award for their support of the Vulcan Centaur program. The Vulcan Centaur is ULA’s next-generation rocket that will provide higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver reliability and precision. This rocket will transform the future of space launch and will meet the important demands of the United States Space Force and U.S. national security satellite launches. “ULA places a strong emphasis on the value and contribution of small business,” said Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO. “Small businesses are the engine of our nation’s economy and ULA is proud to recognize these suppliers who have demonstrated outstanding effort this year.” S-Bond Technologies is a materials technology company based in Harleysville, Penn., that provides bonding solutions for a broad range of materials. S-Bond played an integral role in maintaining the very demanding schedule of the Vulcan Soldered Transition Ring qualification. ULA required a lot of supplier involvement to address constantly evolving requirements, which S-Bond was able to provide. As this effort transitions from a qualification state to a recurring state S-Bond has maintained a very close level of communication with ULA engineering and supply chain to ensure our requirements are met and our schedule is maintained. M&J is a custom fabricator located in Decatur, Ala. M&J continues to be very responsive and flexible to ULA’s Vulcan development schedule and prioritizes their work based on ULA’s assigned priorities. Even with their recent move to a larger facility to help avoid any capacity restraints that would negatively impact ULA, they were still able to meet ULA’s schedule. The Program Management that M&J provides to ULA is second to none, even taking last minute calls to talk strategy and any feedback that is needed. Cablenet is a manufacturer that is located close to ULA’s Headquarter in Centennial, Colo. ULA has been working with Cablenet since 2008 and through those years built a great relationship. Cablenet has played an important role in supporting ULA for a variety of projects. The company has been a reliable supplier in meeting ULA’s demanding needs which has been of critical importance, even allowing ULA engineers to visit the facility and complete an inspection on test cables or ask questions that come up unexpectedly. Cablenet has provided ULA exceptional customer support. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. April 26, 2021 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-82 Mission to Support National Security Delta IV Heavy heavy-lift performance optimized mission Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (April 26, 2021) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-6 on April 26 at 1:47 p.m. PDT. To date ULA has launched 143 times with 100 percent mission success. “The unmatched power of the Delta IV Heavy again demonstrated its role as the nation’s proven heavy lift vehicle precisely delivering this critical NRO asset to its intended orbit,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We are honored to support National Security space and thank our mission partners for their continued trust and teamwork.” The Delta IV Heavy is recognized for delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA. The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to unlock the mysteries of the sun. This was the 42nd launch of the Delta IV rocket, the 13th in the Heavy configuration and ULA’s 31st launch with the NRO. This Delta IV Heavy was 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 was powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine. ULA’s next launch is the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force, scheduled for May 17, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. April 25, 2021 L-1 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 Mission Set to Launch April 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, April 26 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today’s forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:46 p.m. PDT. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60% Primary concerns: Surface winds, Cumulus clouds, Thick clouds, Precipitation Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #DeltaIVHeavy #NROL82 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance April 24, 2021 L-2 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 Mission Set to Launch April 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, April 26 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today’s forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:46 p.m. PDT. Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Surface winds, Cumulus clouds Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #DeltaIVHeavy #NROL82 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance April 23, 2021 L-3 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 Mission Set to Launch April 26 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, April 26 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today’s forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:46 p.m. PDT. Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Surface winds, Cumulus clouds Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #DeltaIVHeavy #NROL82 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 26. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance United Launch Alliance to Launch NROL-82 Mission to Support National Security Delta IV Heavy heavy-lift performance required for mission Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (April 23, 2021) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket is in final preparations to launch the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to support national security. The launch is on track for April 26 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Launch is planned for 1:46 p.m. PDT. The live launch broadcast begins at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 26 at www.ulalaunch.com. “ULA is proud of our long-standing history supporting national security space. The unmatched performance of the Delta IV Heavy is essential for launching some of our nation’s most critical national security space missions and we look forward to delivering this critical asset to space,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “It takes a cross-functional team to support a national security launch and we would like to thank our mission partners for their continued trust, collaboration and teamwork.” The Delta IV Heavy is the nation’s proven heavy lifter, delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA. The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to unlock the mysteries of the Sun. This Delta IV Heavy is comprised of three common core boosters 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. This will be the 42nd launch of the Delta IV rocket and the 13th in the Heavy configuration. To date ULA has launched 142 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. April 22, 2021 L-4 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 Mission Set to Launch April 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Monday, April 26 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today’s forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:46 p.m. PDT. Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Surface winds, Thick clouds Hashtags The hashtags for this launch are: #DeltaIVHeavy #NROL82 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance Amazon Secures United Launch Alliance’s Proven Atlas V Rocket for Nine Project Kuiper Launches Atlas V provides important reliability and schedule assurance in launch agreement Centennial, Colo., April 19, 2021 – United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced today that Amazon has secured Atlas V for nine launches supporting deployment of its ambitious Project Kuiper initiative. Project Kuiper is an initiative that will increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 advanced satellites in low earth orbit. “Project Kuiper will help bridge the digital divide across the United States and around the world, and we could not be more pleased to be working with Amazon to support the initiative,” said Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO. “ULA is focused on serving our customer’s missions and providing reliable, innovative launch solutions. We look forward to launching these important missions.” The Atlas V missions will launch from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. “We’re determined to make affordable broadband a reality for customers and communities around the world,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “ULA is a fantastic partner that’s successfully launched dozens of missions for commercial and government customers, and we’re grateful for their support of Kuiper.” “We’ve designed our satellites and dispenser system to accommodate multiple launch vehicles – this gives us the flexibility to use many different rockets and providers to launch our satellite system,” said Rajeev Badyal, VP of technology for Project Kuiper. “Atlas V is a capable, reliable rocket, and we’re proud to be working with ULA to support these important first launches.” Atlas V has long been the nation’s reliable workhorse for space launch and has been a key enabler to many critical missions for national security space, NASA and commercial customers including, GPS, SBIRS and MUOS constellations, as well as Mars Curiosity, InSight and Mars 2020 missions. “ULA takes great pride in serving our customers as their best value launch partner – from providing high confidence schedule certainty to flexible and responsive manifesting to transparent engineering collaboration on customer-specific mission design needs – we truly become one integrated team with our customers, fully dedicated to their success,” said Chris Ellerhorst, ULA director of Strategy, Business Development and Sales. “We are thrilled that Amazon has put their trust in us.” Amazon has committed more than $10 billion to deliver on its mission for Project Kuiper, which aims to make high-speed, low-latency broadband more affordable and accessible for unserved and underserved communities around the world. The project will serve individual households, as well as schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable broadband. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. NASA adds United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur Rocket to Launch Services Program Catalog ULA’s next generation rocket to compete for future NASA launches Centennial, Colo., April 14, 2021 – NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) has added United Launch Alliance’s next generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, to the NASA Launch Services II (NLS) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract in accordance with the on-ramp provision of NLS II. “ULA is honored that NASA LSP has added our Vulcan Centaur rocket to the catalog of launch vehicles available to support future space exploration missions,” said Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO. “Vulcan Centaur, a single core vehicle, will support challenging missions with unique second stage capabilities unmatched in the industry and we look forward to a continued partnership with NASA LSP.” The NLS II on-ramp provision provides an opportunity for new and existing NLS II launch services providers to introduce new launch vehicles not currently on the NLS II contract. NLS II contractors must have the ability to successfully launch and deliver a payload to orbit using a domestic launch service capable of placing, at minimum, a 250 kg (551 lb.) payload into a 200 km (124 mile) circular orbit at an inclination of 28.5 degrees. ULA and its heritage rockets have partnered with NASA to explore the universe and have launched spacecraft to every planet in the solar system including all 20 U.S. led missions to Mars. In addition to missions that explore the universe, ULA and its heritage rockets have partnered with NASA to explore planet Earth, have launched every NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) satellite and all U.S. weather satellites currently in operation. Overall, ULA has launched 35 missions for NASA LSP with 100% mission success. Vulcan Centaur is ULA’s next-generation, innovative new launch vehicle that provides higher performance, greater affordability and multi-manifesting flexibility while continuing to deliver unmatched reliability. In 2020, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur was competitively selected by the U.S. Space Force as the best value launch provider for 60 percent of the launches occurring through 2027. Vulcan Centaur is on track for a first launch later this year. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. March 26, 2021 United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy to Launch NROL-82 Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (March 26, 2021) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is scheduled for no earlier than April 26, 2021 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. NROL-82 Mission Page March 23, 2021 United Launch Alliance Delta II Rocket Honored at Grand Opening Ceremony United Launch Alliance Delta II Rocket Honored at Grand Opening Ceremony ULA's Delta 2 Rocket on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (March 23, 2021) – The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket took its place today among iconic giants in the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The public exhibit will preserve the lasting legacy of the rocket that fostered the Global Positioning System (GPS) and enabled the exploration of Mars. “While IceSat-2 marked its final mission in 2018, Delta II’s legacy will live on in the technology and exploration it delivered for nearly 30 years, including GPS and the Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers,” said Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO. “We are excited to honor the legacy of the Delta II and pay tribute to the people who designed, built and launched it for nearly three decades.” The Delta II served as a venerable industry workhorse, launching 155 times. The rocket launched many significant missions including NASA’s rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Phoenix Mars Lander, ICESat-2, all operational GPS missions through the constellation of 21 GPS II-R missions for the Air Force and commercial missions for Iridium, Globalstar and three DigitalGlobe satellites. “The Rocket Garden is our most photographed attraction here at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, “and when you visit you know why. The rockets here represent so much more than just engineering feats of technology. They are a permanent tribute to the scientists and engineers who turned dreams of spaceflight into reality. The Rocket Garden is a testament to the innovation of our space program, and the addition of ULA’s Delta II represents our recent accomplishments in space exploration. It’s something you cannot see anywhere else.” ULA selected Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to receive the final vehicle for this outdoor exhibit to inspire current and future generations to learn about the rocket’s rich history. Positioned among rockets and space vehicles from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs the Delta II will help visitors learn about its contribution to life on Earth, science and exploration. Other rockets featured in the Rocket Garden include the ULA-heritage Delta-Thor, Juno I and Juno II, Mercury-Redstone, Mercury-Atlas and Atlas-Agena, Gemini-Titan II and the Saturn 1B launch vehicles. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 142 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun, inspiration and educational activities. Currently open with limited capacity and attractions due to COVID-19, included with admission are Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®, presented by Boeing, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted, space films, the Rocket Garden, the all-new Planet Play and the recently re-opened Apollo/Saturn V Center. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 10 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $57 + tax for adults and $47 + tax for children ages 3 – 11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. United Launch Alliance is Paving the Highway to Mars The Atlas V Rocket Launched NASA’s Perseverance Rover and Every Other U.S. Mission to Mars What: A United Launched Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched NASA’s Mars 2020 mission with the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter on July 30, 2020. After a seven-month journey, the rover is planning to land on Mars on Thurs., Feb 18. ULA and our heritage vehicles have launched every U.S. mission to the red planet and the launch of Mars 2020 marked our 20th trip. Perseverance launched aboard an Atlas V rocket in the 541 configuration, with a 5-meter payload fairing and four solid rocket boosters. The Atlas V rocket delivered Perseverance on an ultra-precise interplanetary trajectory to intercept Mars. To date ULA has launched 142 times with 100 percent mission success. ULA is proud to have been part of such a significant science mission continuing the Mars legacy to provide crucial knowledge and understanding of the red planet. When: The Perseverance rover is planned to touch down on Mars on Thurs., Feb. 18 at approximately 3:55 p.m. EST. Details: Launch highlights video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCc0_8QfL8 Launch photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157714410183007/ United Launch Alliance Modifies Launch Pad and Facilities in Advance of First Vulcan Centaur Launch This Year Team Test Drives New Launch Platform from Processing Facility to Pad Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Feb. 2, 2021 – United Launch Alliance (ULA) has modified Space Launch Complex-41 and the processing facilities in support of Vulcan Centaur’s inaugural launch later this year. The multi-year project to prepare for the larger and more capable launch vehicle culminated in the new mobile launch platform being rolled to the launch pad for final testing. “Reaching this major milestone required years of hard work and dedication by the entire team to ensure we completed the massive amount of work needed to get the launch pad and facilities ready for a Vulcan Centaur launch,” said Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO. “I am so proud of the team and we are very excited as we count down to Vulcan Centaur’s first flight carrying an extremely cool mission to the moon for our customer Astrobotic.” At Space Launch Complex-41, numerous modifications include: Added Vulcan Centaur 300,000 gallon liquid natural gas (LNG) storage area and removed the Titan catch basin Expanded the Acoustic Suppression Water System by installing 28-inch pipes and adding larger water tanks Installed new 100,000 gallon Centaur liquid hydrogen (LH2) and 60,000 gallon liquid oxygen (LO2) storage areas Modifications also have been made to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF), where rockets are stacked and tested prior to being rolled to the launch pad. These modifications will enable the VIF to handle the 12-foot-diameter Atlas V with up to five Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the 18-foot-diameter Vulcan Centaur rockets with up to six SRBs. “These modifications were challenging as we needed to complete all of the work at the pad without impacting our customers’ flying Atlas V missions,” said Mark Peller, Vulcan program manager. “We were able to complete this critical work with no impact to our Atlas manifest. To our knowledge, ULA has the first dual-use facilities and launch pad capable of supporting two different launch vehicles, while providing greater flexibility leading up to the first Vulcan Centaur launch and a smooth transition from Atlas to Vulcan Centaur afterward.” In support of Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets launching from the same pad, ULA partnered with Hensel Phelps to build a new mobile launch platform. The Vulcan Launch Platform (VLP) successfully completed its first trip to the launch pad and will remain there for additional testing and checkout. The VLP stands 183 feet tall and weighs 1.3 million pounds. It is outfitted with the equipment and umbilicals needed to supply Vulcan Centaur with LNG propellant and liquid oxygen to the first stage, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to the Centaur upper stage, conditioned air to customer spacecraft and rocket compartments, electronics, power lines and command-and-control cabling. Vulcan Centaur is ULA’s next-generation, innovative new launch vehicle that provides higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver unmatched reliability. In 2020, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur was competitively selected by the U.S. Space Force as the best value launch provider for 60 percent of the launches occurring through 2027. Vulcan Centaur is on track for a first launch later this year. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. UPDATE: United Launch Alliance STP-3 Mission Update (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Jan. 25, 2021) – The launch of a United Launch Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the STP-3 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has been delayed to enable the customer to evaluate the launch readiness of the STP Satellite-6 spacecraft. ULA’s next launch is Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2), aboard an Atlas V rocket, planned for no earlier than March 25, 2021, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-44 Mission to Support National Security Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (Dec. 11, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 on Dec. 10 at 8:09 p.m. EST. To date ULA has launched 142 times with 100 percent mission success. “We are honored to launch the first payload from the newly renamed Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. I want to thank our mission partners for their collaboration and teamwork as we worked through technical challenges that culminated in the launch of this critical national security payload,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. The Delta IV Heavy again demonstrated its success as the nation’s proven heavy lift vehicle, through its unique capability to deliver this mission to orbit due to a combination of performance and fairing size.” The Delta IV Heavy is recognized for delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA. The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to become the fastest spacecraft in history while surfing through the sun's atmosphere. This was the 41st launch of the Delta IV rocket, the 12th in the Heavy configuration and ULA’s 30th launch with the NRO. This Delta IV Heavy was comprised of three common core boosters 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. ULA’s next launch is the STP-3 mission for the U.S. Space Force, scheduled for first quarter 2021 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. December 10, 2020 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Media Dial In Update During Mobile Service Tower (MST) preparations and roll, some launch milestones have taken longer than expected. We have adjusted the launch time to 8 p.m. EST. The media countdown line will be open at 3:30 p.m. EST prior to fueling operations. NROL-44 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 996 169 504 December 9, 2020 L-1 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Dec. 10 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Thurs., Dec. 10 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch time is 6:15 p.m. EST. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 9:45 a.m. EST on launch day. NROL-44 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 990 603 010 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 10% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:55 p.m. EST on Dec. 10. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.ulalaunch.com December 8, 2020 L-2 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Dec. 10 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Thurs., Dec. 10 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch time is 6:15 p.m. EST. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 9:45 a.m. EST on launch day. To view the mission overview and gallery, please click here. Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:55 p.m. EST on Dec. 10. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.ulalaunch.com December 7, 2020 L-3 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Mission Targeted for Thurs. Dec. 10 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, targeted for Thurs., Dec. 10, pending range availability. The launch time is 6:15 p.m. EST. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. To view the mission overview and gallery, please click here. December 6, 2020 L-4 UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Mission Targeted for Thurs. Dec. 10 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, targeted for Thurs., Dec. 10, pending range availability. The launch period is 5:50-10:30 p.m. EST. Today's forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. To view the mission overview and gallery, please click here. UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-44 Mission Targeted for Thurs. Dec. 10 (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Dec. 4, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is targeted for Thurs., Dec. 10, pending range availability. The launch period is 5:50-10:30 p.m. EST. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-101 Mission in Support of National Security Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Nov. 13, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off on Nov. 13 at 5:32 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. “Thank you to our mission partners, the NRO and the United States Space Force for their continued confidence and partnership with ULA,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This launch was the inaugural launch of our new GEM 63 solid rocket motors, an instrumental step for ULA to build flight experience in preparation for the Vulcan Centaur, our next generation launch vehicle.” The NROL-101 mission was the first ULA launch flying the new Northrop Grumman Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM) 63 solid rocket boosters that burn solid propellant and augment the lifting capacity of rocket's first stage. The GEM 63s measure 63 in. (1.6 meters) in diameter and 66 ft. (20.11 meters) in length. Each GEM 63 produced 371,550 pounds (1.6 mega-Newtons) of max thrust to augment the 860,200 pounds (3.83 mega-Newtons) of thrust produced by the RD-180 main engine to power the Atlas V rocket skyward. At liftoff, the combined thrust was nearly 1.8 million pounds or 8 million mega-Newtons. The mission launched on an Atlas V 531 that included a 17 ft. (5 meter) payload fairing. 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 was the 86th launch of the Atlas V rocket and the 71st Atlas V to launch from Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida. ULA’s next launch is the NROL-44 mission for the NRO from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. To date ULA has launched 141 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. November 12, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 13 Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is scheduled for Fri., Nov. 13 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:13 p.m. EST. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 10:25 a.m. EST on launch day. Check out our Flickr page for launch campaign photos and view the NROL-101 Mission Profile Video here. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 10% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.ulalaunch.com November 11, 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 13 Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is targeted for Fri., Nov. 13 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 launch time is 5:13 p.m. EST. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 10:25 a.m. EST on launch day. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 40% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.ulalaunch.com United Launch Alliance NROL-101 Mission Targeting Nov. 13 due to Hurricane Eta (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Nov. 11, 2020) - Due to impending weather and escalation of Hurricane Eta, ULA is targeting Fri., Nov. 13, at 5:13 p.m. EST for the launch of the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-101 Mission Targeting Nov. 12 due to Tropical Storm Eta (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Nov. 9, 2020) - Due to impending weather and uncertainty related to Tropical Storm Eta, ULA is now targeting Thur., Nov. 12, at 5:18 p.m. EST for the launch of the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, pending range approval. UPDATE: United Launch Alliance NROL-101 targeting Nov. 6 due to Tropical Depression Eta (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Nov. 6, 2020) - Due to impending weather from Tropical Depression Eta, we are rolling the Atlas V rocket carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office back to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) to secure the payload and vehicle. We are targeting Wed., Nov. 11, at 5:22 p.m. EST for our next launch attempt. The issue with the remotely commanded ground system liquid oxygen valves has been resolved and the rocket and payload are healthy. Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Scrub Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Nov. 4, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to an unexpected system response from remotely commanded ground system liquid oxygen valves. The team continues to analyze the system and will protect for our next launch attempt no earlier than Nov. 6. L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 4 Everything is progressing towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Wed., Nov. 4 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 launch time is 5:54 p.m. EST. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 11 a.m. EST on launch day. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concerns: Ground Winds Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:34 p.m. EST Nov. 4. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.ulalaunch.com November 2, 2020 UPDATE: Atlas V NROL-101 to Launch Nov. 4 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Nov. 2, 2020) The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is now planned for Nov. 4, 2020, at 5:54 p.m. EST. The Atlas V was rolled to the pad today for final launch processing. Upon arriving at the launch pad we experienced an upper payload environmental control system flow rate reduction. The team is in the process of rolling the Atlas V back to the vertical integration facility (VIF) to complete troubleshooting. The vehicle and payload are healthy. November 2, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 3 Everything is progressing towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Tue., Nov. 3 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows an 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:58 p.m. EST. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 11:00 a.m. EST on launch day. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com See 10/31/20 below for more November 1, 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 3 Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Tue., Nov. 3 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows an 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:58 p.m. EST. See 10/31/20 below for more October 31, 2020 L-3 Update: ULA Atlas V NROL-101 Mission Set to Launch Nov. 3 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Tue., Nov. 3 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:58 p.m. EST. Follow our live blog for official and timely information here. The live blog begins at 11:00 a.m. EST on launch day. NROL-101 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 990 984 062 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 10% Primary concerns: Ground Winds Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30% Primary concern: Ground Winds, Cumulous Cloud Rules Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:38 p.m. EST Nov. 3. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com October 30, 2020 United Launch Alliance to Launch NROL-101 Mission in Support of National Security Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Oct. 30, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the NROL-101 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The launch is on track for Nov. 3 from Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 5:58 p.m. EST. The live launch broadcast begins at 5:38 p.m. EST on Nov. 3 at www.ulalaunch.com. “ULA is proud to play a pivotal role in support of our mission partners and national security by keeping our country safe one launch at a time," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We thank our mission partners for their continued trust and teamwork. The NROL-101 mission will be ULA’s 29th mission launched for the National Reconnaissance Office and the 17th NRO mission launched on an Atlas V.” The mission will launch on an Atlas V 531, a rocket that delivers unique capacity and the performance required for a range of mission types. The 531 configuration launched the first three Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellites for the United States Space Force and will loft a pair of C-band satellites for SES in 2022. The NROL-101 mission will be the first ULA launch flying the new Northrop Grumman Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM) 63 solid rocket boosters that burn solid propellant and augment the lifting capacity of rocket's first stage. The GEM 63s measure 63 in. (1.6 meters) in diameter and 66 ft. (20.11 meters) in length. They will be ignited at the launch pad and burn for 94 seconds, each consuming 97,500 pounds (44,225.2 kg) of propellant to produce 371,550 pounds (1.6 mega-Newtons) of max thrust to augment the 860,200 pounds (3.83 mega-Newtons) of thrust produced by the RD-180 main engine to power the Atlas V rocket skyward. At liftoff, the combined thrust will be nearly 1.8 million pounds or 8 million mega-Newtons. The Atlas V 531 configuration includes a 17 ft. (5 meter) payload fairing and stands 206 ft. (63 meters) tall. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage. This will be the 86th launch of the Atlas V rocket and the 71st Atlas V to launch from Space Launch Complex-41 in Florida. To date ULA has launched 140 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable 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. October 19, 2020 United Launch Alliance Launched NASA's OSIRIS-REx on its Journey to Bennu Spacecraft collecting sample from the asteroid Bennu on Oct. 20 What: A United Launched Alliance (ULA) Atlas V launched NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on Sept. 8, 2016. After four years, the spacecraft will attempt to make history by performing a Touch-and-Go maneuver on the asteroid Bennu on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and become the first NASA spacecraft to collect a sample from an asteroid. OSIRIS-REx launched aboard an Atlas V in the 411 configuration, with a 4-meter payload fairing and one solid rocket booster. OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers program. The first two missions – New Horizons and Juno – also launched on Atlas V rockets. ULA and our heritage rockets have launched missions to every planet in our solar system, including every U.S.-led mission to Mars, and a few places beyond. To date ULA has launched 140 times with 100 percent mission success. ULA is proud to have been a part of such a significant science mission and NASA’s first asteroid sample return mission. When: OSIRIS-REx is planned to collect a sample from Bennu on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Details: Launch highlights video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG1pE90ue5w&feature=youtu.be Launch photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157714768753178/ September 29, 2020 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 29 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 11:58 p.m. EDT. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-44 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud, Anvil Cloud, Debris Clouds Rules Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 11:38 p.m. EDT Sept. 29. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance September 28, 2020, 6:58pm BREAKING: Launch of Delta Heavy Rocket Scrubbed The Delta Heavy launch scheduled for 12:02 a.m. was just scrubbed because of weather. The ULA rocket is carrying a U.S. Space Force satellite. It's now scheduled to lift off at 9:55 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Here's the latest: http://specne.ws/Htcdge September 28, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 29 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 12:02 a.m. EDT. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-44 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 40% Primary concerns: Thick Cloud Layer, Cumulus Cloud Rules Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 11:42 p.m. Sept. 28. Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch Delay Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 26, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission is now set for no earlier than Sept. 28. Additional time is needed for the team to test and evaluate the swing arm retraction system. As we believe in safety first and are dedicated to mission success, we are taking our time to thoroughly review the data to determine the appropriate path forward. Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch Delay Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 25, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed due to an issue with the swing arm retraction system. Launch is now scheduled for 12:10 a.m. EDT, on Sept. 27, 2020. September 24. 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, Sept. 26 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. TodayÕs forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 12:14 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157711794226467/ Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 11:54 p.m. ET on Sept. 25. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com September 23, 2020 L-3 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 23 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, Sept. 26 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 12:14 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission profile video here: https://youtu.be/rp1alc74k28 Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance September 22, 2020 L-4 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 22 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, Sept. 26 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 time is 12:14 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/MOBrochure_NROL44.pdf Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 11:53 p.m. ET on Sept. 25. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com ALERT: United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch Scheduled for Sept. 26 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 17, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is planned for Sept. 26, 2020. The launch period is 12:01-1:35 a.m. EDT. The team has reviewed all data and ground support equipment and determined that a ground system regulator internal component failure was the cause of the on-pad abort. Out of an abundance of caution all three regulators associated with each of the three common booster cores are being replaced and retested. August 29, 2020 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Aug. 29, 2020) -- The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to an unexpected condition during terminal count at approximately three seconds before liftoff. The team is currently reviewing all data and will determine the path forward. The required recycle time prior to the next launch attempt is seven days minimum. August 28, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 29 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Sat., Aug. 29 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 time is 2:04 a.m. EDT. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-44 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Thick Cloud Layer Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:43 a.m. ET on Aug. 29. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance August 27, 2020 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Aug. 27, 2020) -- The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission is now set for Sat., Aug. 29. Additional time is needed for the team to validate the appropriate path forward with the ground pneumatics control system. The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 2:04 a.m. EDT. August 27, 2020 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Aug. 27, 2020) -- The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission was scrubbed today due to an issue with a critical ground pneumatics control system. The team needs additional time to evaluate and resolve the issue. The launch is planned for Friday, Aug. 28 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 2:08 a.m. EDT. August 26, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 27 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 27 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 time is 2:12 a.m. EDT. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-44 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:51 a.m. ET on Aug. 27. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance August 25, 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 27 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, Aug. 27 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 time is 2:12 a.m. EDT. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:51 a.m. ET on Aug. 27. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance August 24, 2020 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch Delay Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 24, 2020) -- The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed due to customer request. Launch is now scheduled for 2:12 a.m. EDT, on Aug. 27, 2020. L-2 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 26 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Aug. 26 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 time is 2:16 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission profile video here: https://youtu.be/rp1alc74k28 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:55 a.m. ET on Aug. 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance United Launch Alliance to Launch NROL-44 Mission to Support National Security Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 24, 2020) -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket is in final preparations to launch the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to support national security. The launch is on track for Aug. 26 at Space Launch Complex-37 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 2:16 a.m. EDT. The live launch broadcast begins at 1:55 a.m. EDT on Aug. 26 at www.ulalaunch.com. "ULA is proud of the long-standing history of supporting critical national security missions and the continued partnership with our mission partners," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Only the Delta IV Heavy possesses the capability to deliver this unique mission to orbit due to a combination of heavy lift and the largest flight-proven payload fairing." The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lifter, delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA. The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to become the fastest robot in history while surfing through the sun's atmosphere. This Delta IV Heavy is comprised of three common core boosters 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. This will be the 41st launch of the Delta IV rocket, and the 12th in the Heavy configuration. To date ULA has launched 140 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable GPS navigation. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance August 23 2020 L-3 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Aug. 26 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 time is 2:16 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157711794226467/ NROL-44 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 993 080 495 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:55 a.m. ET on Aug. 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance L-4 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Aug. 26 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 time is 2:16 a.m. EDT. Please see the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/MOBrochure_NROL44.pdf NROL-44 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 993 080 495 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 1:55 a.m. ET on Aug. 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance United Launch Alliance Wins Multi-Year Competitive Contract Award to Launch Critical National Security Space Missions for the U.S. Space Force Award represents 60 percent of the missions of the 5-year Phase 2 procurement Centennial, Colo., Aug. 7, 2020 – The U.S. Space Force announced today that United Launch Alliance (ULA) was awarded a firm, fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contract to launch 60 percent of the missions on its newest launch procurement contract. This contract resulted from a competitive award under the Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 procurement. "ULA is honored to be selected as one of two launch providers in this procurement," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "Vulcan Centaur is the right choice for critical national security space missions and was purpose built to meet all of the requirements of our nation's space launch needs. For decades, we have been a trusted partner to safely and securely deliver strategic national security space assets for our nation's defense and this award shows the continued confidence of our customer in the commitment and dedication of our people to safeguard these missions by reliably launching our country's most critical and challenging missions." The competitive process ensures the U.S. has continued assured access to space and supports a robust domestic national security industrial base. The award represents missions ordered in fiscal years 2020 through 2024 with launches occurring through 2027. The missions will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. "Our Atlas and Delta rockets have been the backbone of American space launch for decades and with Vulcan Centaur we continue to build on this progressive history of technology and advancement," said Bruno. "Vulcan Centaur provides higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver our unmatched reliability and orbital precision that will continue to provide reliable, on-time access to space well into the future." With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched 140 missions 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. SES Selects United Launch Alliance to Launch Two C-Band Satellites to accelerate C-Band clearing U.S.-based United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket will launch satellites into orbit as part of SES's contribution to facilitate 5G across America Luxembourg, 5 August 2020 – SES, the leader in global content connectivity solutions, has selected U.S.-based United Launch Alliance (ULA) to launch two C-band satellites. This launch is part of the company's accelerated C-band clearing plan to meet the Federal Communications Commission's objectives to roll out 5G services in the United States. ULA's Atlas V rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2022 and carry the two stacked satellites. Earlier this year, SES contracted with American companies Northrop Grumman and the Boeing Company to deliver four C-band satellites. These satellites will enable SES to clear 280MHz of mid-band spectrum for 5G use while seamlessly migrating SES's existing C-band customers and ensuring the continued delivery of digital television to nearly 120 million American TV homes and other critical data services. ULA will launch the two C-band satellites manufactured by Boeing. SES is investing in America through its C-band transition plan and its work with large and small businesses across the country and its selection of Atlas V, an American launch vehicle launched from the American soil underlines that commitment. "Clearing mid-band spectrum expeditiously while protecting cable neighborhoods across America is a huge undertaking and one that requires partners that can deliver mission success and schedule assurance," said Steve Collar, CEO at SES. "We are thrilled to be working with ULA again and partnering to meet the FCC's ambitious timeline for the accelerated clearing of C-band spectrum." "We are pleased SES selected ULA and our proven Atlas V for this important commercial launch service," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "Atlas V is known for its unmatched level of schedule certainty and reliability and this launch is critical to the timely clearing of C-band spectrum, empowering America's accelerated implementation of 5G. ULA's legacy of performance, precision and mission design flexibility allow us to deliver a tailored launch service that minimizes orbit raising time and perfectly meet our customer's requirements. We are thrilled to provide this optimized launch solution to SES for this crucial launch." About SES SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries over 8,300 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 367 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com. July 31, 2020 Update: ULA Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Highlights Video and Photos The mission highlights video from the Atlas V launch of the Mars 2020 mission for NASA on Thursday, July 30 can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCc0_8QfL8&feature=youtu.be Please see the Atlas V Mars 2020 mission photo gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157714410183007 United Launch Alliance Atlas V Successfully Launches Mars 2020 Mission for NASA Launch Marks ULA's 20th Mission to the Red Planet Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (July 30, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Mars 2020 mission with the Perseverance rover for NASA lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 on July 30 at 7:50 a.m. EDT. ULA and its heritage rockets have launched every U.S. led mission to Mars, beginning in the 1960s. The launch of this mission marks ULA's 20th trip to the red planet and the 85th successful launch of an Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V has previously launched four missions to Mars, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2005, the Curiosity rover in 2011, the MAVEN orbiter in 2013 and the InSight lander in 2018. "Thank you to the ULA team and our NASA mission partners for diligently working through an ever-changing environment to successfully launch this historic mission," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "The complexity of the Mars 2020 mission proves ULA's acceptance of the most challenging launch requirements and we work together with NASA to achieve them. Our guidance accuracy for interplanetary missions is unmatched, and the Atlas V is the only vehicle certified to launch payloads with nuclear power sources." One of the most powerful rockets in the Atlas V fleet, the 541 configuration, with four solid rocket boosters, provides optimum performance to precisely deliver a range of mission types. In addition to three national security and two weather satellites, an Atlas V 541 rocket launched NASA's Curiosity rover on its 10-month, 354 million-mile journey to the surface of Mars. This Atlas V 541 configuration vehicle included a 5-meter payload fairing (PLF) and stood at 197 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the four AJ-60A SRBs and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage. NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida selected United Launch Alliance's (ULA's) proven Atlas V vehicle for this mission and is responsible for management and oversight of the Atlas V launch services. LSP selected this rocket because it has the right liftoff capability for the "heavy weight" requirements for NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover launch. To date ULA has launched 140 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched 140 missions 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. July 29, 2020 L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Set to Launch July 30 Good afternoon, Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Mars 2020 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, July 30 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 7:50 a.m. EDT. Watch the Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu9OySTxgVs Mars 2020 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 992 721 831 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Layer Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7 a.m. EDT on July 30. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com July 28, 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Set to Launch July 30 Good afternoon, Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Mars 2020 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, July 30 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 7:50 a.m. EDT. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/atlas-v-mars-2020 Mars 2020 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 992 721 831 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Layer Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7 a.m. EDT on July 30. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com July 27, 2020 L-3 Update: ULA Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Set to Launch July 30 Good evening, The ULA and NASA Launch Readiness Review is complete and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Mars 2020 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, July 30 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 7:50 a.m. EDT. Please see the Atlas V Mars 2020 mission gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157714410183007 Mars 2020 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 992 721 831 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Layer Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7 a.m. EDT on July 30. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com United Launch Alliance Atlas V Set to Launch Mars 2020 Mission for NASA Launch to Mark ULA's 20th Mission to the Red Planet MISSION OVERVIEW (2 page PDF) Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (July 27, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch NASA's Mars 2020 mission with the Perseverance rover. The launch is on track for July 30 at Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 7:50 a.m. EDT at the opening of a two-hour launch window. The live launch broadcast begins at 7 a.m. EDT on NASA TV and at www.ulalaunch.com. ULA has a significant history launching to the red planet. ULA and its heritage rockets have launched every U.S. led mission to Mars, beginning in the 1960s. The launch of this mission will mark ULA's 20th trip to Mars. Mars 2020 will be the fifth mission to Mars launched by the Atlas V rocket, following the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2005, the Curiosity rover in 2011, the MAVEN orbiter in 2013 and the InSight lander in 2018. "We are proud to launch the Mars 2020 mission to orbit," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "The discoveries from the Mars 2020 mission will provide crucial science and research that will help inform NASA's future plans to put humans on the Moon and Mars. We look forward to continuing the Mars mission legacy with our NASA partners." One of the most powerful rockets in the Atlas V fleet, the 541 configuration, with four solid rocket boosters, provides optimum performance to precisely deliver a range of mission types. In addition to three national security and two weather satellites, an Atlas V 541 rocket launched NASA's Curiosity rover on its 10-month, 354 million-mile journey to the surface of Mars. This Atlas V 541 configuration vehicle includes a 5-meter 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 four AJ-60A SRBs and RL10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage. NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida selected United Launch Alliance's (ULA's) proven Atlas V vehicle for this mission and is responsible for management and oversight of the Atlas V launch services. LSP selected this rocket because it has the right liftoff capability for the "heavy weight" requirements for NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover launch. To date ULA has launched 139 times with 100 percent mission success. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. July 26, 2020 L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V Mars 2020 Mission Set to Launch July 30 Good afternoon, Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Mars 2020 mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, July 30 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 7:50 a.m. EDT. Please see the Atlas V Mars 2020 mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/mars2020_mobrochure_200717.pdf Mars 2020 Audio Access Information Audio Connection: 855-205-3152 (WebEx Call-In) Access Code: 992 721 831 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Layer Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 7 a.m. EDT on July 30. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com United Launch Alliance Names Vernon Thorp Director of Global Commercial Sales Centennial, Colo., June 16, 2020 – United Launch Alliance (ULA) recently named Vernon Thorp as Director of Global Commercial Sales. In this position he will lead all commercial sales activities for Atlas V and the Company's next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket launching next year. "Vern brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and CEO. "Vern has been active in shaping the future of our commercial launch business activities for years leading acquisition and execution for many missions. This is a natural transition to leading global commercial sales and regulatory activities for Vulcan Centaur." Thorp has more than 30 years of experience supporting customers and missions and was recently ULA's Commercial Program Manager. In this role he supported the sales of the first commercial Vulcan Centaur customer orders and has managed their mission integration efforts progressing towards the on-time first launch scheduled for 2021. Vulcan Centaur will provide higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver on ULA's unmatched characteristics of reliability, schedule certainty, and orbital delivery precision. He also oversaw Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial licensing activities and represented ULA on FAA committees specific to commercial spaceflight. He is a voting member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Commercial Space Standards Committee. An engineer by trade, Thorp has served in many leadership roles, including NASA and Commercial Programs program manager where he led commercial business acquisition for Atlas and Delta missions. He has been responsible for NASA Launch Services technical and business execution; Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program management, Mission Director for NASA Missions for Lockheed Martin International Launch Services, Mission Manager for Boeing Sea Launch and more. Thorp holds a Master of Science in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering, both from the University of Minnesota. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. UPDATE: USSF-7 Mission Highlights Video and Photos The mission highlights video from USSF-7 OTV-6 launch for the U.S. Space Force on Sunday, May 17, can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/VW4609H11C8 USSF-7 Mission Photo Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157713645363178/ United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Sixth Orbital Test Vehicle for the U.S. Space Force Mission dedicated to front-line responders and those affected by COVID-19 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (May 17, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force lifted off on May 17, 9:14 a.m. EDT, from Space Launch Complex-41. This marks the 84th successful launch of an Atlas V rocket, 139th launch for ULA, the second launch for the U.S. Space Force and the sixth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-6). "The success of this mission resulted from collaboration with our customer while working through challenging, and ever changing, health and safety conditions," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We were honored to partner with the U.S. Space Force to dedicate this mission to first responders, front-line workers, and those affected by COVID-19. It is truly a unique time in our history and I want to thank the entire team for their continued dedication and focus on mission success." Along with OTV-6, this mission deployed FalconSat-8, a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to conduct experiments on orbit. The mission also carried two NASA experiments, including a material sample plate to determine the results of radiation and other space effects on various materials, and an experiment which will assess space effects on seeds used to grow food. Another experiment sponsored by the Naval Research Laboratory will examine the ability to transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy which could be transmitted to the ground. This mission launched aboard an Atlas V 501 configuration rocket that included a 5-meter-diameter payload fairing. The Atlas booster was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. ULA's next launch is NASA's Mars 2020 mission carrying the Perseverance rover on an Atlas V rocket. The launch is scheduled for July 17 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. To date ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 139 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 launched more than 135 missions 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. A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force lifted off on May 17, 9:14 a.m. EDT, from Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Photo courtesy of United Launch Alliance. 9:20am, May 17, 2020: Successful Launch L-1 ALERT: United Launch Alliance Atlas V to Launch USSF-7 on May 17 The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force was delayed due to inclement weather. Launch of the USSF-7 mission is now scheduled for May 17, 2020, at 9:14 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. In collaboration with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force this mission has been dedicated in honor of the front-line workers and those affected by COVID-19. Tomorrow's forecast is a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 30% Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates and Webcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 8:53 a.m. EDT ALL TIMES EASTERN - Please note these are new coordinates SUNDAY, MAY 17 BARS + TONE - 8:03 A.M. PROGRAM START - 8:53 A.M. WINDOW OPEN - 9:14 A.M. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance UPDATE: USSF-7 Launch Delayed to May 17 (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., May 16, 2020) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force is delayed due to inclement weather. Launch of the USSF-7 mission is now scheduled for May 17, 2020, at 9:14 a.m. EDT. May 15, 2020 L-1 UPDATE: ULA Atlas V USSF-7 Mission Set to Launch May 16 NEXT ATTEMPT AT 10:13AM Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, May 16 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the launch is planned for 8:24 a.m. EDT. In collaboration with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force this mission has been dedicated in honor of the front-line workers and those affected by COVID-19. Today's forecast remains a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60% Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Ground Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates and Webcast ALL TIMES EASTERN — SATURDAY, MAY 16 BARS + TONE - 7:33 A.M. – PROGRAM START - 8:04 A.M. – WINDOW OPEN - 8:24 A.M. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com United Launch Alliance Set to Launch the Sixth Orbital Test Vehicle for the U.S. Space Force Mission dedicated to front-line responders and those affected by COVID-19 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (May 14, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket is scheduled to launch the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force from Space Launch Complex-41 on May 16, 8:24 a.m. EDT. This mission is a collaborative salute to honor front-line responders and those affected by COVID-19. This launch will mark the sixth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-6) and the second mission for the U.S. Space Force. "Despite unprecedented circumstances, we continue to launch critical missions," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are honored to partner with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel affected by the COVID-19 pandemic." Along with OTV-6, the mission will deploy FalconSat-8, a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to conduct experiments on orbit. The mission also carries two NASA experiments, including a material sample plate to determine the results of radiation and other space effects on various materials. Another NASA experiment will assess space effects on seeds used to grow food. Another experiment sponsored the Naval Research Laboratory will examine the ability to transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy which could be transmitted to the ground. An Atlas V 501 configuration rocket, which includes a 5-meter-diameter payload fairing, will launch the USSF-7 mission. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage is powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. This will be the 84th launch of an Atlas V rocket and the seventh launch of the 501 configuration. The Atlas V 501 has been used exclusively for national security missions. To date ULA has a track record of 100 percent mission success with 138 successful launches. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the worlds most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. L-2 UPDATE: ULA Atlas V USSF-7 Mission Set to Launch May 16 Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, May 16 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch is planned for 8:24 a.m. EDT. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60% Primary concerns: Ground Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20% Primary concern: Ground Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates and Webcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 8:04 a.m. EDT ALL TIMES EASTERN SATURDAY, MAY 16 BARS + TONE – 7:33 A.M. PROGRAM START – 8:04 A.M. WINDOW OPEN – 8:24 A.M. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com L-3 UPDATE: ULA Atlas V USSF-7 Mission Set to Launch May 16 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, May 16 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 60% Primary concerns: Ground Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will be available. Broadcast details will be provided prior to launch. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com May 12, 2020 L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V USSF-7 Mission Set to Launch May 16 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is set to lift off on Saturday, May 16 (8:24am ?? ed.) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows an 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Launch Forecast Summary Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 40% Primary concerns: Ground Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will be available. Broadcast details will be provided prior to launch. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com United Launch Alliance Atlas V to launch USSF-7 on May 16 (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., May 6, 2020) - A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is scheduled to launch the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force on Sat. May 16, 2020. This launch will mark the sixth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-6). United Launch Alliance Statement on Positive COVID-19 Case A ULA employee in one of our Denver facilities tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on April 6, and we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of our teammates and facilities. Our best wishes are with this person as well as teammates and family members affected by the diagnosis. We are working with the Tri-County Health Department and following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols to slow the further spread of COVID-19 by closing the floor of the building that has been exposed to the virus and following stringent cleaning and disinfection protocols. Our early and aggressive COVID mitigations have limited the number of personnel exposed. We are executing our prepared and rehearsed response plan and anticipate no impacts to our manifest. ULA continues to proactively take steps to protect our people, slow the spread of the virus, and maintain national security. Media Update: United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First National Security Space Mission for the U.S. Space Force (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 26, 2020) A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying AEHF-6, the first National Security Space mission for the U.S. Space Force, lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 4:18 p.m. EDT. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First National Security Space Mission for the U.S. Space Force Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (March 26, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the sixth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 on March 26 at 4:18 p.m. EDT. This marks the 83rd successful launch of an Atlas V rocket, 138th launch for ULA and first mission for the U.S. Space Force. "The success of today's launch is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work and teamwork with several of our mission partners," said Gen. Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force. "From our acquisition experts at SMC, to the satellite developers at Lockheed Martin, to the aircrews at Air Mobility Command, and our range support teams at the 45th Space Wing, we greatly appreciate the collaboration with the ULA team who all contributed to this historic, first National Security Space launch under the U.S. Space Force," added Raymond. "On behalf of the U.S. Space Force and all of our joint warfighters who depend on protected SATCOM, thank you and congratulations on today's successful launch." "Congratulations to the U.S. Space Force on liftoff of your first mission," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "We are proud to be your partner for this historic mission and honored to have launched the entire Lockheed Martin produced AEHF constellation on Atlas V rockets. We understand the critical importance of delivering protected communications to strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air." This mission launched aboard an Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle, producing more than two and a half million pounds of thrust at liftoff. The most powerful in the Atlas V fleet, the Atlas V 551 includes a 5-meter Payload Fairing (PLF) and stands 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. With the launch of AEHF-6, the RL10 engine has flown 500 times, including hundreds of times on ULA and ULA heritage vehicles. "Thank you to the Aerojet Rocketdyne team for your outstanding partnership," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "The RL10 is integral to our unique Centaur upper stage, supporting ULA's launches of military, civil and commercial satellites and has sent spacecraft to explore every planet in our solar system." ULA's next launch is USSF-7 in support of the U.S. Space Force in May 2020. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Mission Set to Launch March 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center. This launch will mark the first National Security Space mission for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, March 26 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 2:57 p.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-6 Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 2:37 p.m. ET on March 26. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance March 24, 2020 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Mission Set to Launch March 26 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, March 26 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 2:57 p.m. ET. United Launch Alliance Set to Launch the First National Security Space Mission for the U.S. Space Force Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (March 24, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the sixth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center. The launch is on track for March 26 at Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 2:57 p.m. EDT at the opening of a two-hour launch window. The live launch broadcast begins at 2:37 p.m. EDT on www.ulalaunch.com. The launch of AEHF-6 will mark the 138th launch for ULA and first National Security Space mission for the U.S. Space Force. "In the current dynamic environment, national security is of utmost importance," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are proud to launch the first National Security Space mission for the U.S. Space Force and look forward to delivering the final AEHF asset to support our nation's national defense and the warfighter community." 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 10 times to date. The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides vastly improved global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters. The Atlas V 551 configuration vehicle 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. This launch will mark the 500th flight of the RL10 engine, which has flown hundreds of times on ULA and ULA heritage vehicles, and supported ULA's launches of military, civil and commercial satellites, and has sent spacecraft to explore every planet in our solar system. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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 23, 2020 L-3 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Mission Set to Launch March 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, March 26 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 2:57 p.m. ET. Please see the Atlas V AEHF-6 mission gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157712668294221/ Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 2:37 p.m. ET on March 26. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Mission Set to Launch March 26 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The mission is set to lift off on Thursday, March 26 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 2:57 p.m. ET. Mission Sixth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) website. Please see the Atlas V AEHF-6 mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/aehf6_mob_social.pdf Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Set to Launch March 26 (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 13, 2020) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center is set to launch on Thursday, March 26. The team needed additional time to complete the booster valve replacement and retest. The two-hour launch window starts at 2:57 p.m. ET. Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-6 Launch Delay Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 10, 2020) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launch carrying the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center is delayed due to an off-nominal valve reading during launch vehicle processing. Additional time is needed for the team to replace and retest the valve. Launch is now scheduled for no earlier than March 21. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Solar Orbiter to Study the Sun Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Feb. 9, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying Solar Orbiter, an international cooperative mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41on Feb. 9 at 11:03 p.m. EST. This marks the 82nd successful launch of an Atlas V rocket and 137th launch for ULA. Solar Orbiter will work closely with NASA's Parker Solar Probe, launched by ULA on a Delta IV Heavy rocket in 2018. Together, both spacecraft will provide a never-before-seen global view of the sun. "The ULA team is extremely honored to launch Solar Orbiter, enabling more discovery of our sun," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Thank you to our NASA and international mission partners for the outstanding teamwork." Solar Orbiter launched on an Atlas V 411 configuration vehicle including a 4-meter payload fairing (PLF) and standing 189 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the one AJ-60A SRB and RL10A-4-2 engine for the Centaur upper stage. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida selected ULA's proven Atlas V vehicle for this mission and is responsible for management and oversight of the Atlas V launch services. ULA's next launch is the AEHF-6 mission for the U.S. Space Force in March 2020. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. More details on the NBBD's NASA Press Releases webpage. NASA Press Release February 8, 2020 L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V Solar Orbiter Mission Set to Launch Feb. 9 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Solar Orbiter mission for the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The mission is set to lift off on Sunday, Feb. 9 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 11:03 p.m. ET. Watch the Atlas V Solar Orbiter Mission Profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVFLSMgNGl0 Please see the Atlas V Solar Orbiter mission overview here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/solarorbiter_mob.pdf?sfvrsn=fb89ef53_4 Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 9 Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com. United Launch Alliance Set to Launch Solar Orbiter for NASA and ESA Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Feb. 7, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the Solar Orbiter mission, an international cooperative mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. The launch is on track for Feb. 9 at Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 11:03 p.m. EST at the opening of a two-hour launch window. The live launch broadcast begins at 10:30 p.m. EST on NASA TV at and www.ulalaunch.com. Solar Orbiter will leave the launch pad atop 1.2 million pounds of thrust from the Atlas V main engine and single solid rocket booster (SRB). The SRB will burn for about 90 seconds while the first stage engine will burn for four minutes. Two burns by the Centaur upper stage achieve escape velocity, propelling Solar Orbiter to 27,000 mph for deployment less than an hour after liftoff. The Atlas V 411 rocket, a unique configuration that includes just one solid rocket booster, provides the optimal performance to precisely deliver a range of mission types. In its nearly 14 years of service, the 411 rocket has completed five flights, including NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. With a distinctive appearance, the Atlas V 411 is tailored to the performance needed to achieve the Earth departure trajectory for making repeated close encounters to the sun. This configuration first launched on April 20, 2006. "We are proud to launch Solar Orbiter in support of our NASA and international mission partners," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "This exciting mission will allow us to further explore our universe and understand the intricacies of the sun." This Atlas V 411 configuration vehicle includes a 4-meter large payload fairing (PLF) and stands 189 ft. tall. The Atlas booster for this mission is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the one AJ-60A SRB and RL10A-4-2 engine for the Centaur upper stage. NASA's Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida selected ULA's proven Atlas V vehicle for this mission and is responsible for management and oversight of the Atlas V launch services. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully launched more than 135 missions 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. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Boeing Starliner Spacecraft on the Orbital Flight Test Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Dec. 20, 2019) -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's Starliner capsule on the Orbital Flight Test lifted off on Dec. 20 at 6:36:43 a.m. EST, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This marks the 81st launch of an Atlas V rocket and ULA's 136th successful launch. "We had a successful launch and initial indications are that we demonstrated the launch vehicle test objectives, performance enhancements, and the mission unique modifications developed for the safety of human spaceflight," said Tory Bruno, president and CEO, United Launch Alliance. "We achieved spacecraft separation as planned. We will continue to support our Boeing and NASA partners as they work to bring Starliner home." ULA's next launch is the NASA Solar Orbiter mission onboard an Atlas V 411. The launch is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2020, from Space Launch Complex-41 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 135 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. Photo caption: Atlas V Starliner launches Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on the Orbital Flight Test on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at 6:36:43 a.m. EST. Link to additional launch photos December 19, 2019 L-1 Update: ULA Atlas V Starliner Mission Set to Launch Dec. 20 We continue to progress towards the launch of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner on the ULA Atlas V rocket for the Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, Dec. 20, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast remains a 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The instantaneous launch is targeted for 6:36:43 a.m. EST. For more information on the mission, please see the Atlas V Starliner mission overview here. December 18, 2019 L-2 Update: ULA Atlas V Starliner Mission Set to Launch Dec. 20 We continue to progress towards the launch of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner on the ULA Atlas V rocket for the Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, Dec. 20, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast remains a 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The instantaneous launch is targeted for 6:36 a.m. EST. For more information on the mission, please see the Atlas V Starliner mission overview here. United Launch Alliance Set to Launch the Starliner Capsule on the Orbital Flight Test Preparing to launch astronauts from U.S. soil Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Dec. 17, 2019) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch Boeing's Starliner capsule on the Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch is planned for Dec. 20, at 6:36 a.m. from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas V rocket will deliver Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to a 98-nautical mile (nmi) sub-orbital trajectory. Following separation from the Atlas V, the Starliner engines will propel the spacecraft to its final orbit and on to the ISS. Modified specifically for the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, the Atlas V Starliner configuration does not include a payload fairing. Instead, the Starliner's own protective surfaces take the place of the fairing to protect the uncrewed spacecraft during ascent. This is the inaugural flight of this configuration. "We are bridging history as we prepare to launch astronauts again and the Orbital Flight Test is the first step in this process," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are excited to fly this mission-unique Atlas V in support of Boeing's Starliner and NASA's Commercial Crew program." The Starliner is attached to the Atlas V using a launch vehicle adapter (LVA) which includes an aeroskirt to reduce aerodynamic loads on the vehicle. The Atlas V configuration for this mission is powered by dual Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10A-4-2 engines, each producing 22,600 lbs. of thrust. The Centaur also includes an Emergency Detection System (EDS) that monitors the health of the rocket throughout flight. The Orbital Flight Test will be the 81st launch of the Atlas V and will mark ULA's 136th mission. 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. December 17, 2019 L-3 Update: ULA Atlas V Starliner Mission Set to Launch Dec. 20 Everything continues to progress towards the launch of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner on the ULA Atlas V rocket for the Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, Dec. 20, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today's forecast shows a 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The instantaneous launch is targeted for 6:36 a.m. EST. Please see the Atlas V Starliner mission overview here. Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:30 a.m. EST on Dec. 20 and will broadcast live on NASA TV. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com and www.boeing.com/starliner December 16, 2019 L-4 Update: ULA Atlas V Starliner Mission Set to Launch Dec. 20 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Orbital Flight Test, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule. The mission is set to lift off on Friday, Dec. 20, 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 twenty-minute launch window begins at 6:26 a.m. and the instantaneous launch is planned for 6:36 a.m. EST. Please see the Atlas V Starliner mission overview here. Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:30 a.m. EST on Dec. 20 and will broadcast live on NASA TV. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com and www.boeing.com/starliner ULA Atlas V Starliner OFT Launch Date Status (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Dec. 6, 2019) The launch of the Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's Orbital Flight Test (OFT) Starliner spacecraft is now targeted for Dec. 20. We successfully conducted a wet dress rehearsal (WDR), a critical pre-launch milestone, on Friday, Dec. 6. We were unable to complete the milestone on Thursday, Dec. 5, as planned due to a weather-related launch delay of an International Space Station re-supply mission, which created a range resource conflict. This caused our targeted launch date to shift to the right by one day. We continue to work closely with Boeing to ensure that the Starliner flies as soon as the spacecraft and launch vehicle are ready. United Launch Alliance Atlas V Starliner OFT Launch Status (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Dec. 3, 2019) The launch of the Atlas V rocket carrying Boeing's Orbital Flight Test (OFT) Starliner spacecraft is now targeted for Dec. 19, 2019. During pre-launch processing of the Atlas V, there was an issue with the rocket's purge air supply duct. Additional time was needed for the ULA and Boeing teams to complete an analysis of the issue, replace the duct and complete processing ahead of launch. We continue to work closely with Boeing to ensure that the Starliner flies as soon as the spacecraft and launch vehicle are ready. Update: ULA Delta IV GPS III Magellan Launch Highlights Launch highlights of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS III Magellan mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/r5ED2anVKXs For the mission photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157710353196416 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 22, 2019) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the second Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite, designated Magellan, for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 on August 22 at 9:06 a.m. EDT. This mission marked the 29th and final flight of the Delta IV Medium rocket and the 73rd GPS launch by a ULA or heritage vehicle. "Thank you to the team and our mission partners for the tremendous teamwork as we processed and launched this critical asset, providing advanced capabilities for warfighters, civil users, and humankind across the globe," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are proud of the strong legacy of the Delta IV Medium program, and look forward to the future with our purpose-built Vulcan Centaur." The GPS III system, built by Lockheed Martin, represents the next step in modernization of the worldwide navigation network with a new generation of advanced satellites offering improved accuracy, better anti-jam resiliency and a new signal for civil users. This mission launched aboard a Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) configuration vehicle, which included a 4-meter Payload Fairing and two Northrop Grumman solid rocket motors. 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. ULA's next launch is Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, Orbital Flight Test, aboard an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. ULA maintains a track record of 100% mission success with 135 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. Astrobotic Selects United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur Rocket to Launch its First Mission to the Moon Pittsburgh, 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 Astrobotic Technology, Inc. is a space robotics company that seeks to make space accessible to the world. The company's lunar lander, Peregrine, delivers payloads to the moon for companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals for $1.2 million per kilogram. Astrobotic was selected by NASA in May 2019 for a $79.5 million contract to deliver payloads to the moon in 2021. The company also has more than 30 prior and ongoing NASA and commercial technology contracts, a commercial partnership with Airbus DS, and a corporate sponsorship with DHL. The company is also an official partner with NASA through the Lunar CATALYST Program. Astrobotic was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Update: ULA Delta IV GPS III SV02 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 22 August 21, 2019 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. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-gps-iii-sv-2 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 20, 2019 The 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 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 19, 2019 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the GPS III SV02 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 a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The 27-minute launch window opens at 9 a.m. ET. 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 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the GPS III SV02 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. The 27-minute launch window opens at 9 a.m. ET. 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 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 VULCAN CENTAUR ROCKET ON SCHEDULE FOR FIRST FLIGHT IN 2021 ULA Submits Proposal for U.S. Air Force's Launch Services Competition Centennial, 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 Highlights Launch 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/JR2WhG2m0Q4 For 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 Center Cape 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. Photos by United Launch Alliance August 7, 2019 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-5 Mission Set to Launch Aug. 8 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 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. 8 The 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 Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:24 a.m. ET on Aug. 8. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance United Launch Alliance Set to Launch AEHF-5 for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Cape 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. 8 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 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. Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance 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 rocket Centennial, 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 With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 133 missions 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 RUAG Space RUAG Space is the leading supplier to the space industry in Europe, and has a growing presence in the United States. RUAG Space develops and manufactures products for satellites and launch vehicles — playing a key role both in the institutional and commercial space market. RUAG Space is a division of the international technology group RUAG. Learn more at www.ruag.com/en. About Airborne Systems Airborne Systems is the world's most trusted resource for military parachute design and manufacturing with a foundation of 100 years of designing, developing and fabricating parachutes. Airborne Systems manufactures best-in-class parachutes for the military, GPS precision guided cargo delivery systems, low-cost cargo delivery parachutes, rescue and survival equipment, space and air vehicle recovery systems and more. Learn more at www.airborne-sys.com. 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 Payloads Hands-on STEM Project Culminates with Launch on 50thAnniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing Centennial, 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 Ann Sobrato High School (Morgan Hill, CA)   Generic Drone Name* Destiny Christian Elementary School (Rocklin, CA)   Roaring Chicken Brookside Elementary School (Oak Park, CA)   The Order of the Eggs Downey High School (Downey, CA) The RC Paraglider*   Newport Christian School (Newport Beach, CA)   NCS Weather Radar Colorado Boulder High School (Boulder, CO   Curio*   The Sky Crane*   Cole* Impact Tae Kwon Do (Highlands Ranch, CO)   In-flight Dynamic Environments Measurements Monarch High School (Louisville, CO)   Tanky McTankface Peak to Peak Charter (Lafayette, CO)   Capturing the Moment   Greenhouse Gas Assessment Apparatus   Kinderducks*   Operation Falling Weather   Smorgasbord Ralston Valley High School (Arvada, CO):   The Fruits of Labor T   he Egg-Ceptional Payload Silverton School (Silverton, Colorado)   Can You Dig It? Smoky Hill High School (Centennial, CO)   Apollo LM Tribute STEM School Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch, CO)   Gone Home*   Lookout Below Florida Edgewood High School (Merritt Island, FL)   ELT-1* New Mexico Santa Fe Composite Squadron (Santa Fe, NM)   Civil Air Patrol Autonomous Emergency Delivery System* Oregon Catlin Gabel School (Tigard, OR)   CGSMAP* Texas Team Astrocube (Austin, TX)   Astrocube * Denotes a competition team About ULA With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 133 missions 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 Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, 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. ULA Completes Final Design Review for New Vulcan Centaur Rocket First Flight on Schedule for 2021 Centennial, 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 CANAVERAL A 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 MISSIONS First Flight Hardware Being Manufactured and Launch on Track for 2021 Centennial, 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 Highlights Launch 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/re9dEqUUniQ For the mission photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157705984461034 March 15, 2019 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-10 Mission Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (March 15, 2019) - A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the tenth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 on March 15 at 8:26 p.m. EDT. ULA has been the exclusive launch provider for all ten WGS satellites. ""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 15 Good 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: 20% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Disturbed Weather Rule, Flight Through Precipitation Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 6:35 p.m. ET on March 15. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance Launch Vehicle on Stand: Delta IV WGS-10 The United Launch Alliance Delta IV booster that will launch the 10th Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) mission for the U.S. Air Force goes vertical at Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance March 13, 2019 Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Mission Set to Launch March 15 Good 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: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Disturbed Weather Rule, Flight Through Precipitation Launch Broadcast Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 6:35 p.m. ET on March 15. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance March 13 2019 Update: United Launch Alliance Set to Launch WGS-10 for U.S. Air Force NEWS RELEASE 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. "ULA is proud to be the exclusive launch provider for all ten WGS missions," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Our focus on mission success continually demonstrates that safely and reliably delivering these critical national assets is our highest priority." The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system, developed by the Boeing Company, provides wideband communications connectivity for U.S. and allied warfighters around the world. This mission will launch aboard a Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter Payload Fairing and stands at 218 ft. The common booster core for Delta IV is powered by the RS-68A engine, and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is powered by the RL10B-2 engine, both supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne. Northrop Grumman provided the four solid rocket motors. To date ULA has a track record of 100% mission success with 132 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 12 2019 Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Mission Set to Launch March 15 Good 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 profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-88p_ILCbes Launch Forecast Summary: Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60% Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Disturbed Weather Rule, Flight Through Precipitation Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance March 11, 2019 Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Mission Set to Launch March 15 Good evening – 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. The launch window begins at 6:56 p.m. ET and extends to 9:05 p.m. ET. Please see the Delta IV mission booklet here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/launch-booklets/div_wgs10_mob.pdf?sfvrsn=b7cf4d95_2 Update: ULA Delta IV WGS-10 Statement (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 9, 2019) The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV carrying the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-10) mission for the U.S. Air Force has been delayed to allow for additional troubleshooting to resolve some off-nominal data indications. The vehicle and spacecraft remain stable and all systems are nominal and ready to proceed with final processing. The launch is scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2019 at 6:56 p.m. ET. NASA Selects United Launch Alliance's Reliable Atlas V Rocket to Launch Lucy Mission to Jupiter's Trojan Asteroids Centennial, Colo. (Jan. 31, 2019) – NASA's Launch Services Program announced today that it selected United Launch Alliance's (ULA's) proven Atlas V vehicle to launch the Lucy mission, which is the first mission to Jupiter's swarm of Trojan asteroids. This award resulted from a competitive Launch Service Task Order evaluation under the NASA Launch Services II contract. "We could not be more pleased that NASA has selected ULA to launch this amazing planetary science mission," said Tory Bruno, ULA's president and chief executive officer. "This mission has a once-in-a-lifetime planetary launch window, and Atlas V's world-leading schedule certainty, coupled with our reliability and performance provided the optimal vehicle for this mission. Our Atlas V rocket has launched 79 times achieving 100 percent mission success, and we look forward to working again with our mission partners to explore our universe." The Lucy mission is scheduled to launch in October 2021 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This mission will launch aboard an Atlas V 401 configuration rocket. Atlas V has a strong history in launching planetary missions for NASA including Mars Science Lab; New Horizons; OSIRIS-REx, the first U.S. mission to return asteroid samples to Earth; and the Solar Dynamics Observatory to study the sun. Jupiter's swarms of Trojan asteroids may be remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets, and serve as time capsules from the birth of our solar system more than 4 billion years ago. Lucy will be the first space mission to study the Trojans. The mission takes its name from the fossilized human ancestor (named "Lucy" by her discoverers) whose skeleton provided unique insight into humanity's evolution. Lucy will complete a 12-year journey to seven different asteroids. With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 132 missions 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. ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno's Statement about Blue Origin Ground Breaking in Alabama Huntsville, Ala., Jan. 25, 2019 – "United Launch Alliance welcomes Blue Origin to the great state of Alabama and to join the other aerospace companies that have made Rocket City our home for decades. A little more than three months ago, ULA chose Blue Origin's BE-4 engine to power our Vulcan Centaur rocket, which we are manufacturing at our facility in Decatur, Alabama. I am pleased that Blue Origin has chosen to join the more than 200 ULA suppliers doing business here in Alabama. The state of Alabama knows how to attract and help business grow and I could not be more thrilled to be part of the resurgence of rocket and engine development in the Tennessee Valley. "ULA's Atlas and Delta rockets are the most successful space launch vehicles in history, having launched more than 130 missions with 100 percent mission success. Today, we celebrate the culmination of those decades of knowhow and invention into the transition to our new Vulcan Centaur rocket. Vulcan Centaur is one system for all missions. It will embody our expertise and reliability while providing advanced technology to our warfighters, being superior in both cost and capability. Vulcan Centaur is the only launch vehicle with a design that is centered on our customers' national security space mission. Vulcan Centaur will provide for our nation's needs today and into the future. We look forward to our partnership with Blue Origin, building the advanced BE-4 engine to power our next-generation rocket, right here in Alabama!" January 19, 2019 Update: ULA Delta IV NROL-71 Launch Highlights Launch highlights and photos from the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying NROL-71 for the National Reconnaissance Office can be viewed here: Launch Highlights Video: https://youtu.be/QlBhV0HgqYA Mission Photo Gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157701863555121 United Launch Alliance — Tower Roll: Delta IV NROL-71 The 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 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-71 in Support of National Security Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (Jan. 19, 2019) -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying a critical payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) denoted NROL-71 lifted off from Space Launch Complex-6 on Jan. 19 at 11:10 a.m. PST. The mission is in support of our country's national defense. "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.  ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch 1/18/19 -- Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, Jan. 19 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch time is 11:05 a.m. PST. 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  January 16, 2019: UPDATE Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, Jan. 19 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 11:05 a.m. PST. ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Jan. 19, 2019 (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Jan. 15, 2019) ­ The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission has been scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 11:05 a.m. PST. ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Launch Date Under Review (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Jan. 5, 2019) ­ The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission launch date is under review. A new launch date and time will be provided pending the results of additional testing. "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." ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 will Launch NET Jan. 6, 2019 (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Dec. 28, 2018) -- The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission will launch no earlier than Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. The mission will launch from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Rescheduled for NET Dec. 30   (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 20, 2018) -- The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed yesterday due to indications of elevated hydrogen concentrations within the port booster engine section. The team is currently reviewing all data and has set the next launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 30, 2018. UPDATE: Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Scrub Statement (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 19, 2018) -- The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to indications of elevated hydrogen concentrations within the port booster engine section. 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. December 18, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch on Dec. 19 - UPDATED Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office for lift off on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The forecast is for a 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:44 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 December 18, 2018 ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 18, 2018) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 payload for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to high ground winds. 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. December 17, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The forecast remains a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:57 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  December 16, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast remains a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:57 p.m. PST.   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 December 15, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:57 p.m. PST (8:59pm EST). 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 . December 14, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch time is 5:57 p.m. PST. 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 Attention K-12 Rocket Scientists: United Launch Alliance Issues Call for 2019 Student Rocket Launch Payloads K-12 payload teams can compete for nearly $10,000 in prizes 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. Update: Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission (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. December 9, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 8, 2018) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to an unexpected condition during terminal count at approximately 7.5 seconds before liftoff. The team is currently reviewing all data and will determine the path forward. A new launch date will be provided when available. December 7, 2018 ULA Delta IV Heavy Scrub Statement (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 7, 2018) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to an issue with a redundant communication link between the control center and the launch site. 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. December 6, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Good evening - The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Friday, Dec. 7 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 8:19 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 Dexcember 5, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Good evening - everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Friday, Dec. 7 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 8:19 p.m. PT. 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   United Launch Alliance to Launch NROL-71 in Support of National Security Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (Dec. 5, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) will lift-off from Space Launch Complex-6 on Dec. 7 at 8:19 p.m. PT. Designated NROL-71, the mission is in support of national defense. 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.    December 4, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Good evening - everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Friday, Dec. 7 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 8:19 p.m. PT. 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 December 3, 2018 Update: ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch Good afternoon - everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Friday, Dec. 7 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch time is 8:19 p.m. PT. 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 United Launch Alliance to Host Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Update at Decatur Rocket Factory What: ULA's Vice President of Major Development Mark Peller will provide an update on the progress of the Vulcan Centaur, ULA's next-generation launch vehicle, and take media on a tour to see initial pathfinder and qualification hardware manufactured in the factory. 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. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches AEHF-4 Mission 50th Launch for the U.S. Air Force 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. (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 "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. United Launch Alliance Set to Launch AEHF-4 for U.S. Air Force October 16, 2018 ULA Atlas V AEHF-4 Mission Set to Launch Oct. 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Oct. 17 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 12:15 a.m. ET. Webcast available at www.ulalaunch.com and www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 16, 2018) A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force stands poised for launch. Photo courtesy of ULA. (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. October 15, 2018 L-2 Media Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-4 Mission Set to Launch Oct. 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Oct. 17 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 12:15 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-4 See other links below. October 14, 2018 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-4 Mission Set to Launch Oct. 17 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Oct. 17 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 12:15 a.m. ET. Please see the Atlas V AEHF-4 mission profile video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir6zIbHGTuA See other links below. October 13, 2018 Update: ULA Atlas V AEHF-4 Mission Set to Launch Oct. 17 The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed yesterday and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the AEHF-4 mission for the U.S. Air Force. The mission is set to lift off on Wednesday, Oct. 17 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 12:15 a.m. ET. 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 United Launch Alliance Set to Launch AEHF-4 for U.S. Air Force 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 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Oct. 12, 2018) -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is in final preparations to launch the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Air Force. The launch is planned for Oct. 17 at Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 12:15 a.m. EDT, and the live launch broadcast will begin Oct. 16 at 11:55 p.m. EDT at www.ulalaunch.com. 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. September 27, 2018 United Launch Alliance Building Rocket of the Future with Industry-Leading Strategic Partnerships ULA Selects Blue Origin Advanced Booster Engine for Vulcan Centaur Rocket System 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. September 27, 2018 Blue Origin's BE-4 Engine Selected by ULA to Power Vulcan Blue Origin's BE-4 engine test Hi There, 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 Smith Blue Origin, CEO If 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. 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 United Launch Alliance Building Rocket of the Future with Industry-Leading Strategic Partnerships   ULA Selects Blue Origin Advanced Booster Engine for Vulcan Centaur Rocket System 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. September 5, 2018 Good afternoon - Launch highlights of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying the ICESat-2 spacecraft for NASA can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jaIAqj-ReII For additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157697184889504 United Launch Alliance Selects NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the Future Home of the Last Delta II Rocket   Centennial, Colo., Sept. 15, 2018 – United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced today that the last Delta II rocket will join a lineup of historic rockets in the Rocket Garden on display at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Fla. "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. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Final Delta II Rocket with NASA's ICESat-2 The end of an era for the industry workhorse. View photos of the Delta II rocket launching here. Click for 5 photos. Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (Sept. 15, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex-2 on Sept. 15 at 6:02 a.m. PDT. This marks the final mission of the Delta II rocket, which first launched on Feb. 14, 1989, and launched 155 times including ICESat-2. 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 15, 2018 Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. -- A ULA Delta II rocket carrying NASA's ICESat-2 spacecraft stands poised for launch. Photos courtesy of ULA. See our Live Launch Updates for official and timely information during the countdown to liftoff here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-ii-icesat-2 View photos of the Delta II rocket on the launch pad here. 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. United Launch Alliance to Launch Final Delta II with NASA's ICESat-2 Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (Sept. 12, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta II rocket is in final preparations to launch NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) spacecraft from Space Launch Complex-2 on Sept. 15. This marks the final launch of the Delta II rocket, which first launched on Feb. 14, 1989. "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 VIASAT SELECTS UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE'S PROVEN ATLAS V ROCKET FOR COMMERCIAL SATELLITE LAUNCH PARIS, Sept. 10, 2018 – Global communications company, Viasat Inc., (Nasdaq: VSAT) announced today it selected United Launch Alliance's (ULA's) proven Atlas V vehicle to launch one of its ViaSat-3 satellite missions. This is the first commercial contract ULA has directly signed since assuming responsibility for the marketing and sales of the Atlas V launch vehicle from Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services earlier this year. 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. United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASA's Parker Solar Probe Spacecraft Click to see enlargements of these photos • All photos credit United Launch Alliance 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. Good afternoon (12:02pm) -- Launch highlights of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the Parker Solar Probe mission for NASA can be viewed here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/gallery August 12, 2018, 4:20am - FOLLOW-UP: United Launch Alliance August 11th NASA's Parker Solar Probe Launch Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., August 12, 2018 - A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NASA Parker Solar Probe spacecraft lifts off from Space Launch Complex-37 at 3:31 a.m. ET. Photos by United Launch Alliance Click to see enlargements of these photos Launch Postponed (8/11/2018, 4:54AM) (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., August 11, 2018) — The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft was scrubbed today due to a violation of a launch limit, resulting in a hold. There was not enough time remaining in the window to recycle. 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. August 9, 2018 - FOLLOW-UP: United Launch Alliance August 11th NASA's Parker Solar Probe Launch Good evening - The ULA and NASA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, Aug. 11 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 time is 3:33 a.m. ET. August 8, 2018 - FOLLOW-UP: United Launch Alliance August 11th NASA's Parker Solar Probe Launch Good evening - everything is progressing toward the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, Aug. 11 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 time is 3:33 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/ August 7, 2018 - FOLLOW-UP: United Launch Alliance to Launch NASA's Parker Solar Probe Good evening - everything is progressing toward the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, Aug. 11 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 time is 3:33 a.m. ET. 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 United Launch Alliance to Launch NASA's Parker Solar Probe Launch window opens Aug. 11 at 3:33 a.m. ET 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. ULA and Ball Aerospace Interns, K-12 Students Participate in 10th Anniversary of the Student Rocket Launch Centennial and Boulder, Colorado (July 17, 2018) — More than 30 student-built payloads launched onboard an intern-built sport rocket United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Ball Aerospace once again collaborated on a hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education program with a rocket launch over southeastern Colorado. The 10th anniversary launch marked the high point of an experience designed to simulate a real-life launch campaign and inspire students from kindergarten to graduate school to pursue careers in STEM. 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 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 On July 14, ULA's Future Heavy Super Sport (SS) rocket launched 33 payloads (onboard objects, experiments or instruments that may deploy from the rocket) over Lake Meredith, Colorado. 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: First place: $5,000: Boulder High School (Boulder, Colorado), for "The Glider Project" Second place: $3,000: Monarch High School (Lafayette, Colorado), for "Droney McDroneface" Third place: $1,500: Green Mountain High School (Lakewood, Colorado), for "The Gassy Can" Since the Student Rocket Launch's first launch in 2008, nearly 800 interns from ULA and Ball have participated in the program under guidance from more than 200 mentors. In total, ULA's interns have designed, built and launched 31 rockets carrying more than 200 payloads from five different locations. 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. United Launch Alliance IAM Employees Approve New Contract Centennial, Colo., (May 19, 2018) – Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have accepted the company's new four-year contract offer and will return to work after being on strike since May 7. 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. United Launch Alliance Selects Aerojet Rocketdyne's RL10 Engine for Next-generation Vulcan Centaur Upper Stage   Centennial, Colo., May 11, 2018 – United Launch Alliance (ULA) today announced Aerojet Rocketdyne as a strategic partner for the RL10 upper stage engine for ULA's next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket following a competitive procurement process. "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. May 5, 2018 United Launch Alliance Atlas V InSight Launch Highlights Video Good evening -- Launch highlights of the ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the InSight mission for NASA can be viewed here: https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/gallery For additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157690619142190 May 5, 2018 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches West Coast's First Interplanetary Mission for NASA ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the InSight mission for NASA. Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (May 5, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's InSight Mars lander lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 on May 5 at 4:05 a.m. PDT. InSight is the first mission launched to another planet from the West Coast, which requires more energy than an East Coast launch that takes advantage of the Earth's rotation. The West Coast Mars launch was made possible by the performance of the Atlas V and an optimized trajectory design to achieve the very exact hyperbolic injection required to deliver the spacecraft to Mars. 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. May 4, 2018 Update: ULA Atlas V InSight Launch Set for May 5 Good evening - Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V InSight mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on an Atlas V rocket on Saturday, May 5 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's L-1 forecast shows a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The two-hour launch window begins at 4:05 a.m. PT. 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 May 4, 2018 Update: ULA Atlas V InSight Launch Set for May 5 Good evening -- The ULA and NASA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V InSight mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on an Atlas V rocket on Saturday, May 5 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's L-2 forecast shows a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The two-hour launch window begins at 4:05 a.m. PT. 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 May 3, 2018 ULA Atlas V InSight Launch Set for May 5 Good evening - everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V InSight mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on an Atlas V rocket on Saturday, May 5 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today's L-3 forecast shows a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.  The two-hour launch window begins at 4:05 a.m. PT. 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 May 1, 2018 ULA Atlas V InSight Launch Set for May 5 Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V InSight mission for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on an Atlas V rocket on Saturday, May 5 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The two-hour launch window begins at 4:05 a.m. PT.   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 April 15, 2018 Launch highlights of the ULA Atlas V rocket... carrying the AFSPC-11 mission for the U.S. Air Force can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/N8rZSSZfcSM For additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/sets/72157693756935821 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. 4/15/2018 United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches AFSPC-11 Mission for the U.S. Air Force Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (April 15, 2018) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-11 mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 on April 14 at 7:13 p.m. EDT. AFSPC-11 is a multi-payload mission. The forward payload is referred to as CBAS (Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM) and the aft spacecraft is EAGLE (EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) Augmented Geosynchronous Experiment). "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.