{"id":23746,"date":"2025-08-07T22:10:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T14:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/ula-ceo-tory-bruno-outlines-plans-for-vulcan-and-beyond\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T18:01:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T10:01:59","slug":"ula-ceo-tory-bruno-outlines-plans-for-vulcan-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/ula-ceo-tory-bruno-outlines-plans-for-vulcan-and-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"ULA CEO Tory Bruno Outlines plans for Vulcan and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a teleconference ahead of the United Launch Alliance\u2019s (ULA) first mission for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) with its Vulcan rocket, President and CEO Tory Bruno shared insights on a range of topics, from SpaceX\u2019s Starship operations at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to ULA\u2019s reuse technologies and future launch infrastructure.\n<\/p>\n

Starship\u2019s Impact on Launch Operations at KSC<\/p>\n

Bruno addressed the ongoing licensing process for SpaceX\u2019s Starship at KSC, describing it as \u201can interesting vehicle\u201d of \u201cunprecedented size.\u201d He noted that the requested high launch rate necessitates a comprehensive review by the U.S. Space Force and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).<\/p>\n

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Starship Pad work at 39A, via D Wise for NSF<\/p>\n

In a likely reference to Eastern Range availability, Bruno wants this analysis to cover not only ecological impacts but also the broader launch environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are certain operations you can\u2019t do on a pad when another vehicle is fuelled, due to the \u2018energetics associated with that.’\u201d<\/p>\n

Focusing on ULA\u2019s association with national defense missions, Bruno emphasized the importance of ensuring that \u201cnational launch capacity\u201d expands rather than contracts, stating, \u201cThe analysis has to ensure that the capacity of our nation is greater, and not smaller.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advancements in SMART Reuse Technology<\/p>\n

A key highlight was ULA\u2019s progress on SMART Reuse, a system aimed at recovering and reusing booster components to reduce costs. Bruno announced that the critical design review for key components is complete, paving the way for building flight-like hardware for certification.<\/p>\n

Astronomy<\/path>Rocket building kits<\/path>NASA educational resources<\/path>\n

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As development progresses, ULA plans to relocate more components to the aft section of the booster for recovery. \u201cBy the time that path is finished, pretty much the only thing being discarded from the booster will be the fuel tanks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Experimental flights incorporating SMART Reuse could begin as early as 2026, or at least by 2027, but only when aligned with customer needs.<\/p>\n

Bruno acknowledged that the technology adds weight, necessitating parallel performance improvements to the Vulcan rocket, noting that performance upgrades might precede full reuse implementation for optimal timing.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Bruno hinted at further innovations: \u201cRecovering the aft of the booster is not the end of the journey for us.\u201d He suggested that expanded reuse could boost Vulcan\u2019s launch cadence.<\/p>\n

Exploring Private Spaceports and Infrastructure Challenges<\/p>\n

While ULA remains committed to its current bases at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base, Bruno revealed that the company is studying \u201cliterally everything\u201d regarding potential new sites. However, establishing a new launch site for Vulcan would require several years, and there\u2019s no immediate push for it.<\/p>\n

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New photo of Wallops launch site via Rocket Lab<\/p>\n

Wallops Island was singled out as an attractive option due to its existing infrastructure and favorable launch inclinations. This East Coast site has gained traction in recent years, with the addition of Rocket Lab\u2019s Electron and home base for Neutron, along with the upcoming NG\/Firefly Eclipse rocket.<\/p>\n

In the near term, Bruno urged the government to share more insights on range demands to optimize open launch windows and ensure reliable infrastructure for all providers.<\/p>\n

BE-4 Engine Performance and Collaboration with Blue Origin<\/p>\n

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BE-4 flight engines being installed on Vulcan, via ULA<\/p>\n

Bruno praised Blue Origin\u2019s BE-4 engines, which power Vulcan, saying they are now \u201cperforming beautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Blue Origin initially set the pace for development and production ramp-up, they are now meeting ULA\u2019s needs effectively. \u201cDon\u2019t tell Dave Limp, but they might be an engine or two ahead,\u201d Bruno quipped.<\/p>\n

He noted that planned performance increases in the BE-4 will benefit both ULA\u2019s Vulcan and Blue Origin\u2019s New Glenn rocket.<\/p>\n

Excitement for Sierra Space\u2019s Dream Chaser<\/p>\n

Bruno expressed enthusiasm for Sierra Space\u2019s Dream Chaser spacecraft, calling it a \u201creally cool vehicle.\u201d ULA has arrangements to support up to six Dream Chaser missions on Vulcan, with Bruno stating, \u201cWe\u2019ll fit them in.\u201d<\/p>\n