Tag: Vulcan
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ULA and Bigelow expand association with lunar depot plan
United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Bigelow Aerospace have updated their future plans via an agreement to launch a B330 module on a Vulcan rocket to an eventual home in Low Lunar Orbit. Set with a target date of 2022, the “Lunar Depot” could become a precursor to a Deep Space Gateway that NASA is interested…
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AR1 engine clears milestone in step toward ending U.S. reliance on Russian propulsion
Aerojet Rocketdyne tests its AR1 engine preburner, which was built using a proprietary alloy and 3-D printing technology, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Credit: Aerojet Rocketdyne A rocket engine that could power United Launch Alliance’s next-generation rocket has passed a major design review, clearing the way for full-scale hotfire testing starting next year and certification…
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Blue Origin encounters setback in BE-4 engine testing
An image of a BE-4 powerpack on a test stand in West Texas. Credit: Blue Origin Blue Origin said Sunday that it lost a set of powerpack hardware for its BE-4 engine during a ground test mishap, dealing at least a minor setback to the development of a powerful U.S.-made propulsion system that United Launch…
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Blue Origin encounters setback in BE-4 engine testing
An image of a BE-4 powerpack on a test stand in West Texas. Credit: Blue Origin Blue Origin said Sunday that it lost a set of powerpack hardware for its BE-4 engine during a ground test mishap, dealing at least a minor setback to the development of a powerful U.S.-made propulsion system that United Launch…
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Swiss company to build Vulcan fairings, composite structures
Artist’s concept of a Vulcan rocket with a 4-meter payload fairing made by Ruag Space. Credit: ULA United Launch Alliance plans to introduce a new payload fairing design on the next-generation Vulcan rocket, which will fly with composite parts made by Switzerland-based Ruag Space, the company’s chief executive said Wednesday. Ruag already builds 5.4-meter (17.7-foot)…
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Delta IV-H WDR as ULA lines up its immediate and long-term goals
United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully conducted a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) on Thursday for its Delta IV- Heavy tasked with the launch of the NROL-37 spacecraft. Meanwhile, the company is continuing to evaluate the underperformance issue with its most recent Atlas V mission, while agreements were signed for its future rocket, the Vulcan – specifically…
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Reviewers approve early design work on new Vulcan rocket
Vulcan is visualized here in its 441 configuration. Credit: United Launch Alliance CAPE CANAVERAL — Work to create a new all-American rocket, the United Launch Alliance Vulcan-Centaur, has passed its first major hurdle for its first flight in three years, officials announced Thursday. The Preliminary Design Review for the next-generation vehicle was recently completed and…
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RUAG to establish composites production capability at ULA
Swiss company RUAG will be setting up base at United Launch Alliance’s Decatur facility in Alabama, following a deal to further strengthen their cooperation. RUAG are best known for their production of payload fairings for a number of launch vehicles. However, the deal is also aimed at providing additional composite hardware specific to ULA’s Vulcan…
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World launch markets look toward rocket reusability
What was once thought to be a pipe dream of having a reusable system of rocket and rocket components to reduce the overall cost of spaceflight is now gaining significant traction, as SpaceX leads the way toward a fully reusable first stage, while the United Launch Alliance and the European Space Agency move toward reusability…
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ULA needs commercial customers to close Vulcan rocket business case
Artist’s concept of ULA’s Vulcan rocket. Credit: ULA United Launch Alliance will need to lure commercial customers to ensure the economic viability of its new Vulcan rocket, which is set to debut in 2019 just as the rate of U.S. military satellite launches is due to take a dip. The Vulcan rocket must fly at…