Space Systems Command Adds Second Provider For Launches

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and United Launch Alliance announced the successful completion of the certification process ULA’s Vulcan launch system and is now eligible to launch National Security Space Launch missions (NSSL). The certification was carried out under the Command’s Assured Access to Space program.

Certification for NSSL missions is a rigorous process established to demonstrate a provider’s ability to design, produce, and qualify a new launch system to ensure the successful delivery of national security space satellites to orbit.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space said, “Assured access to space is a core function of the Space Force and a critical element of national security. Vulcan certification adds launch capacity, resiliency, and flexibility needed by our nation’s most critical space-based systems.”

ULA joins SpaceX as the two certified launch providers for the Command. The process took several years to complete and comprised 52 criteria. The criteria included more than 180 discrete tasks, 2 certification flight demonstrations, 60 payload interface verifications, 18 subsystem design and test reviews, and 114 hardware and software audits. These are performed to establish a technical baseline from which the Space Force will make determinations of flight worthiness prior to future launches.

“The SSC and ULA teams have worked together extremely closely, and certification of this launch system is a direct result of their focus, dedication, and teamwork,” added Panzenhagen.

Tory Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance said, “We are proud to have launched 100 national security space missions and honored to continue serving the nation with our new Vulcan rocket. We thank the Space Force for their collaboration and confidence, and we are honored to support our national security needs for many years to come.”

FMI:  www.ulalaunch.com/