For years, SpaceX has been the dominant force in U.S. military space launches, carving a niche with its reliable and cost-effective solutions. However, a significant shift is occurring in the landscape of national security launches as the U.S. Space Force has officially certified the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket to carry critical military payloads. This milestone not only enhances ULA’s role in the sector but also signifies the completion of a detailed and extensive evaluation process that spanned several years.
The certification process included comprehensive assessments of various elements, such as hardware, software, and subsystem designs, ensuring that the Vulcan Centaur meets all 52 stringent criteria necessary for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) certification. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. “Vulcan certification adds launch capacity, resiliency, and flexibility needed by our nation’s most critical space-based systems,” she stated.
As it stands, SpaceX and ULA are the only two firms currently authorized to transport military payloads into space, underscoring the competitive nature of this high-stakes field. The Vulcan Centaur is set to replace ULA’s aging Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. Designed for enhanced performance and precision even in challenging orbits, the Vulcan features a two-stage system, with liquid rocket engines powering its first stage and the proven Centaur upper stage handling the second.
Despite a setback due to a failed launch in October, which was attributed to a manufacturing defect involving a solid rocket booster supplied by Northrop Grumman, ULA has successfully navigated the certification process. The company’s chief executive, Tory Bruno, acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed confidence in the Vulcan’s capabilities. With the certification now achieved, ULA has announced plans for 18 missions this year that will involve launching significant national security payloads.
Looking ahead, additional competition is on the horizon. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is also pursuing NSSL certification and has already completed its initial certification flight in January at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a critical step in its journey. Furthermore, Rocket Lab and Relativity Space are preparing for NSSL certification with their respective Neutron and Terran R rockets, with plans to initiate the process later this year or by 2026. Northrop Grumman and Firefly Aerospace are also collaborating on developing a new Medium Launch Vehicle set to debut in 2026, adding to the competitive landscape.
As the space industry continues to evolve, the certification of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur marks a pivotal moment for U.S. military space launches, signaling new opportunities and challenges for established players and emerging competitors alike.
