ULA's Vulcan Rocket Soars into Red Flag Territory: Pentagon Contract Figures Reveal Surging Costs

Pentagon Contract Figures Show ULA's Vulcan Rocket is Getting More Expensive The US Space Force announced the winners of its annual Mission Assignment Board on Friday, with SpaceX taking home five contracts to launch critical national security satellites. United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, secured two contracts for its Vulcan rocket, which has been in operation since 2021. According to figures released by Space Systems Command, the unit responsible for awarding military launch contracts, ULA's Vulcan rocket is becoming increasingly expensive. The company's bid for one of the two contracts was $130 million, a significant increase from its previous bids. SpaceX, on the other hand, won five contracts with bids ranging from $50 to $150 million. "We're thrilled to have been selected by the Space Force for these critical missions," said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president and COO. "Our Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets have a proven track record of success, and we're confident in our ability to deliver these satellites safely and efficiently." The Vulcan rocket, which replaced ULA's Atlas V, has had a mixed record since its debut in 2021. While it successfully launched its first national security mission in August, some industry insiders have raised concerns about its reliability. "ULA's Vulcan rocket is still finding its footing," said one industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "While it's great that they've secured two contracts, the cost of those missions is a concern. The Space Force needs reliable and affordable launch options, and ULA needs to prove itself." The US Space Force convenes its Mission Assignment Board annually to award contracts for launching national security satellites. This year's assignments are still at least two years away from flying. In related news, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket has yet to secure a contract with the Space Force, despite being touted as a potential competitor to SpaceX and ULA. The company's CEO, Jeff Bezos, has expressed confidence in his team's ability to deliver reliable and affordable launch services. The Pentagon's reliance on private companies for launching national security satellites has been a topic of debate among lawmakers and industry experts. While some argue that the partnership is essential for advancing space technology, others have raised concerns about the risks associated with relying on commercial providers. As the US Space Force continues to rely on SpaceX and ULA for its launch needs, one thing is clear: the cost of launching national security satellites is becoming increasingly expensive. Only time will tell if ULA's Vulcan rocket can prove itself as a reliable and affordable option. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*