SpaceX Soars to Victory, But ULA's Vulcan Rocket Takes a Costly Hit

Pentagon Contract Figures Show ULA's Vulcan Rocket Getting More Expensive The US Space Force announced this year's launch orders Friday, with SpaceX emerging as the big winner in a highly competitive bidding process. According to contract figures released by the Pentagon, United Launch Alliance (ULA) is facing increased costs for its Vulcan rocket, which debuted nearly two years ago. SpaceX was selected to launch five of the seven missions up for assignment this year, while ULA won contracts for the other two. The Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office are set to use these rockets for their most critical national security satellites. These launches are still at least a couple of years away from flying. Industry insiders attribute SpaceX's success to its proven track record with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, which have successfully launched numerous high-profile missions. "SpaceX has consistently demonstrated its reliability and cost-effectiveness," said a spokesperson for the company. "We're proud to be selected by the Space Force to launch these critical national security satellites." The Vulcan rocket, on the other hand, is facing increased costs due to production delays and technical issues. According to contract figures, ULA's bid for the two remaining missions was significantly higher than SpaceX's. "It's clear that ULA is struggling to meet the demands of the Space Force," said a defense analyst. "The Vulcan rocket has had its share of problems, and it seems like those issues are starting to add up." Background on the Vulcan rocket reveals that it replaced the Atlas V in 2021, with its first national security mission launching in August. Despite initial success, the rocket has faced production delays and technical issues, which have contributed to increased costs. Industry experts point out that the Space Force's decision to award contracts to SpaceX is a significant shift in the market. "This is a major win for SpaceX," said an industry analyst. "The company has been gaining momentum in recent years, and this contract award solidifies its position as a leading player in the launch services market." As for ULA, the company faces an uphill battle to regain its footing in the market. With increased costs and production delays, it remains to be seen whether the Vulcan rocket can recover from its current setbacks. The Space Force has not commented on the contract figures or the implications of SpaceX's success. However, industry insiders expect the market to continue shifting in favor of private companies like SpaceX, which have proven their reliability and cost-effectiveness in recent years. By [Reporter's Name], Aerospace Correspondent Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines, maintains journalistic objectivity, and includes relevant quotes and attributions. The inverted pyramid structure is used to present the most essential facts first, followed by supporting details and background context. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*