Tags: Air Force, United Launch Alliance, Satellite Launch, Military Satellite
Publication: AL.com
Publication Date: 12/05/2012

United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-3 with a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. Image credit: ULA

The Pentagon is opening up to other options besides United Launch Alliance for launchers for its military satellites. The partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin that is ULA will still provide most of the equipment but now it will get some competition, effectively ending the monopoly it has been enjoying.

According to reports, the U.S. Air Force has authorization to purchase 14 boosters from other suppliers such as Orbital and SpaceX. However, if the Pentagon is not satisfied with what the competition can provide, it retains the option to cancel those deals and go back to having ULA as the exclusive provider.

The move is a new hit to the ongoing competition between ULA and other launch companies such as SpaceX. Earlier this year ULA turned to U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, for help. However, the company has stated it doesn’t mind the competition but still believes it offers the best options for the Pentagon.

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