United Launch Alliance
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a space launch service provider headquartered in Denver, Colorado, known for its reliable and high-performance rockets, including the Vulcan and Atlas V. ULA has achieved over 155 consecutive launches with a 100% mission success rate and operates facilities across several U.S. states.
Company Overview
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with operational sites in Decatur, Alabama, Harlingen, Texas, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The company specializes in the manufacture, assembly, and launching of rockets, providing reliable access to space with a 100% mission success rate across over 155 consecutive launches.
Vulcan Rocket
ULA's Vulcan rocket is designed to be more affordable, accessible, and commercialized. It aims to address the nation’s critical need for reliable access to space by offering superior reliability, cost efficiency, weight capacity, and performance. The Vulcan rocket features a pair of BE-4 engines from Blue Origin, with capabilities to integrate up to six Northrop Grumman Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 63XL Solid Rocket Boosters. It will launch from Space Launch Complex-41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and include a payload fairing available in both 15.5-m (51-ft) and 21.3-m (70-ft) configurations.
Atlas V Rocket
ULA’s Atlas V rocket is tasked with sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner capsule. It remains a key component of ULA’s suite of launch vehicles, emphasizing reliability and mission success. The Atlas V will continue to utilize Space Launch Complex-41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for its missions.
Manufacturing and Launch Operations
ULA conducts its manufacturing, assembly, and integration operations mainly in Decatur, Alabama, and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are managed at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Additionally, ULA is working with Bollinger Shipyards and Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. to design and build a new ship dedicated to the transportation of Vulcan rockets.
Program Management and Engineering
ULA's program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions are concentrated at the company's headquarters in Denver, Colorado. These functions ensure that both the Atlas and Vulcan rocket families meet their performance benchmarks while maintaining exceptional reliability and precision. ULA’s subsidiary, United Launch Services, LLC (ULS), handles contracting for launch services using both the Atlas and Delta launch vehicles.