United Launch Alliance#Activities

Boeing and Lockheed Martin announced on 2 May 2005 that they would establish a 50/50 joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA), to consolidate their space launch operations.{{cite web |date=2 May 2005 |title=Boeing, Lockheed Martin to Form Launch Services Joint Venture |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/all_news_items/2005/05/02/boeing-lockheed-martin-to-form-launch-services-joint-venture |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417111551/https://www.ulalaunch.com/all_news_items/2005/05/02/boeing-lockheed-martin-to-form-launch-services-joint-venture |archive-date=17 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2019 |website=United Launch Alliance}}

The two companies had long competed for launch services contracts from the DoD, and their Atlas and Delta rockets were the two launch vehicles selected under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. The DoD had hoped the program would foster the creation of a strong, competitive commercial launch market. However, both companies said that this competition had made space launches unprofitable.{{Cite news |last=Kurkowski |first=Seth |date=9 April 2024 |title=Why is ULA retiring the Delta IV Heavy? |url=https://spaceexplored.com/2024/04/09/why-is-ula-retiring-the-delta-iv-heavy/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |work=Space Explored}} Boeing's future in the program was also threatened in 2003 when it was found to be in possession of proprietary documents from Lockheed Martin.{{cite news |last=Bowermaster |first=David |date=January 9, 2005 |title=Boeing probe intensifies over secret Lockheed papers |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2002146025_boeinglockheed09.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312103157/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2002146025_boeinglockheed09.html |archive-date=2017-03-12 |access-date=2020-05-07 |newspaper=Seattle Times}} To end litigation and competition, both companies agreed to form the ULA joint venture. During the renewal of the EELV contract, the DoD said the merger would provide annual cost savings of $100–150 million.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2017-08-02 |title=How America's two greatest rocket companies battled from the beginning |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/08/how-americas-two-greatest-rocket-companies-battled-from-the-beginning/ |access-date=2020-04-18 |website=Ars Technica}}

SpaceX attempted to challenge the merger on anti-trust grounds, saying it would create a space launch monopoly.{{cite web |last=Morris |first=David Z. |date=2017-06-17 |title=Is SpaceX Undercutting the Competition Even More Than Anyone Thought? |url=http://fortune.com/2017/06/17/spacex-launch-cost-competition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125075021/http://fortune.com/2017/06/17/spacex-launch-cost-competition/ |archive-date=25 January 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020 |website=Fortune}} The Federal Trade Commission ultimately granted ULA anti-trust clearance, prioritizing national security access to space over potential competition concerns.{{cite web |date=October 3, 2006 |title=FTC gives clearance to United Launch Alliance |url=https://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0610/03ulaftc/ |website=Spaceflight Now}}{{cite book |title=Mergers and Acquisitions: Understanding the Antitrust Issues |date=2008 |publisher=ABA Section of Antitrust Law |isbn=978-1-60442-046-3 |edition=3rd |location=Chicago, Illinois |oclc=213864774}}

Michael Gass was announced as the first CEO of ULA and oversaw the merger of the two groups. Production was consolidated into one central plant in Decatur, Alabama while all engineering was moved into a facility in Littleton, Colorado.{{cite web |url=http://spacenews.com/to-stay-competitive-in-the-launch-business-ula-courts-commercial-customers/ |title=To stay competitive in the launch business, ULA courts commercial customers |last1=Erwin |first1=Sandra |last2=Henry |first2=Caleb |date=24 January 2018 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=2018-06-25}} The parent companies retained responsibility for marketing and sales of the Delta and Atlas rockets.

Cost pressures led ULA to announce it would lay off 350 of its 4,200 workers in early 2009,{{cite news |date=2008-11-14 |title=United Launch Alliance plans layoffs |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/11/10/daily45.html |access-date=2014-11-16 |newspaper=Denver Business Journal}}{{cite news |last=Avery |first=Greg |date=2009-08-05 |title=ULA seeks land for a combined HQ |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/10/story2.html |access-date=2014-11-16 |newspaper=Denver Business Journal}} and decommissioned two of its seven launch pads.{{cite web |last=Graham |first=William |date=2 July 2014 |title=ULA Delta II successfully lofts OCO-2 to orbit |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/07/delta-ii-oco-2-launch-vandenberg/ |access-date=22 February 2015 |website=NASA Spaceflight}} ULA also joined and later left the Commercial Spaceflight Federation during this period.{{cite web |date=2014-05-13 |title=Membership |url=http://www.commercialspaceflight.org/membership/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513024623/http://www.commercialspaceflight.org/membership/ |archive-date=2014-05-13 |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=Commercial Spaceflight Federation}}{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Alexandra |date=June 21, 2010 |title=United Launch Alliance Joins the Commercial Spaceflight Federation |url=http://www.commercialspaceflight.org/2010/06/united-launch-alliance-joins-the-commercial-spaceflight-federation/ |access-date=2020-05-07 |website=Commercial Spaceflight Federation}}

The introduction of lower-cost competition and rising ULA launch costs attracted scrutiny. ULA's reliance on government funding for launch readiness, including maintaining multiple launchpads and rocket variants, became a point of discussion, particularly as the EELV program experienced a cost breach in 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20160513_R44498_ed5b90543df15e81aa4fff1a56c5b8cc911a9889.pdf |title=National Security Space Launch at a Crossroads |date=May 13, 2016 |website=Congressional Research Service |access-date=August 5, 2020}}

ULA was awarded a DoD contract in December 2013 to provide 36 rocket cores for up to 28 launches. The award drew protest from SpaceX, which said the cost of ULA's launches were approximately US$460 million each and proposed a price of US$90 million to provide similar launches.{{cite web |last=Leopold |first=George |date=April 28, 2014 |title=SpaceX launches protest of Air Force rocket contract |url=http://defensesystems.com/articles/2014/04/28/spacex-protest-air-force-ula-contract.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103216/http://defensesystems.com/articles/2014/04/28/spacex-protest-air-force-ula-contract.aspx |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=3 October 2014 |website=Defense Systems}} In response, Gass said ULA's average launch price was US$225 million, with future launches as low as US$100 million.{{cite web |last=Gurss |first=Mike |date=May 20, 2014 |title=Responding to Critics, ULA Discloses Pricing Information |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/40637responding-to-critics-ula-discloses-pricing-information |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140523182322/http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/40637responding-to-critics-ula-discloses-pricing-information |archive-date=23 May 2014 |website=SpaceNews}}

File:Boeing Orbital Flight Test Press Conference (NHQ201912200010).jpg

In August 2014, Tory Bruno became CEO of ULA.{{cite web |last=Gruss |first=Mike |date=2014-08-12 |title=United Launch Alliance Taps a Lockheed Executive To Replace CEO Gass |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41575united-launch-alliance-taps-a-lockheed-executive-to-replace-ceo-gass |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140813201634/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41575united-launch-alliance-taps-a-lockheed-executive-to-replace-ceo-gass |archive-date=2014-08-13 |access-date=2014-08-13 |website=SpaceNews}} Bruno's appointment came as ULA faced pressure to develop a next-generation launch vehicle and reduce costs to better compete with SpaceX and its partially reusable rockets. The company's high launch costs left it with few commercial and civil satellite customers, making it increasingly reliant on U.S. military and intelligence contracts, which were also under competitive threat from SpaceX.{{cite web |last=Shalal |first=Andrea |date=2015-05-21 |title=Lockheed-Boeing rocket venture needs commercial orders to survive |url=https://news.yahoo.com/lockheed-boeing-rocket-venture-needs-commercial-orders-survive-205416832--finance.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723052732/https://news.yahoo.com/lockheed-boeing-rocket-venture-needs-commercial-orders-survive-205416832--finance.html |archive-date=2015-07-23 |website=Yahoo! News}}{{cite news |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2021-08-19 |title=National security launch in transition as Space Force waits for Vulcan |url=https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-in-transition-as-space-force-waits-for-vulcan/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |work=SpaceNews}}{{cite news |last=Avery |first=Greg |date=2014-10-16 |title=ULA plans new rocket, restructuring to cut launch costs in half |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2014/10/exclusive-ula-plans-a-new-rocket-restructuring-to.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315142232/http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2014/10/exclusive-ula-plans-a-new-rocket-restructuring-to.html |archive-date=2017-03-15 |access-date=2014-11-14 |newspaper=Denver Business Journal}} Additionally, ULA faced pressure to replace its Russian-made RD-180 engines with Western alternatives following the Russian annexation of Crimea. In 2016, Congress passed a law prohibiting the military from procuring launch services using the RD-180 after 2022.{{cite news |last=Petersen |first=Melody |date=2014-12-12 |title=Congress OKs bill banning purchases of Russian-made rocket engines |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-russian-rocket-ban-20141213-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307165553/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-russian-rocket-ban-20141213-story.html |archive-date=2017-03-07 |access-date=2014-12-14 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}

To reduce costs, ULA underwent major restructuring, cutting its workforce from 3,600 to 2,500 by 2018{{cite web |last=Delgado |first=Laura M. |date=2014-11-14 |title=ULA's Tory Bruno Vows To Transform Company |url=http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/ulas-tory-bruno-vows-to-transform-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030705/http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/ulas-tory-bruno-vows-to-transform-company |archive-date=2014-11-29 |access-date=2014-11-14 |website=Space Policy Online}} and consolidating operations from five launch pads to two.{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Amy |date=2015-02-17 |title=New Rocket, White Tails In ULA's Long-Term Strategy |url=http://m.aviationweek.com/defense/new-rocket-white-tails-ula-s-long-term-strategy-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605195359/http://m.aviationweek.com/defense/new-rocket-white-tails-ula-s-long-term-strategy-0 |archive-date=2017-06-05 |access-date=2015-02-22 |website=Aviation Week}} To develop a replacement engine, ULA partnered with Blue Origin on the BE-4, which became the core of its next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket.{{cite web |last=Ferster |first=Warren |date=2014-09-17 |title=ULA To Invest in Blue Origin Engine as RD-180 Replacement |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41901ula-to-invest-in-blue-origin-engine-as-rd-180-replacement |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140918114236/http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41901ula-to-invest-in-blue-origin-engine-as-rd-180-replacement |archive-date=2014-09-18 |access-date=2014-12-13 |website=SpaceNews}} Vulcan was designed to lower costs and increase competitiveness in the commercial market, combining technologies from the Delta and Atlas families with new innovations.

Despite these efforts, ULA's services remained more expensive than SpaceX's. Its joint bid with Dynetics for a NASA lunar lander was rejected in 2021 as "low in readiness."{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2021-04-16 |title=NASA selects SpaceX to develop crewed lunar lander |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-spacex-to-develop-crewed-lunar-lander/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20210523015710/https://spacenews.com/nasa%2Dselects%2Dspacex%2Dto%2Ddevelop%2Dcrewed%2Dlunar%2Dlander/ |archive-date=2021-05-23 |access-date=2022-11-20 |work=SpaceNews}} The Delta rocket family was retired in 2024. While the vehicle supported critical national security and NASA missions, it was expensive and slow to manufacture, limiting its commercial viability.{{cite web |title=Why ULA is retiring the Delta IV |url=https://www.example.com |website=Example Source}} The Falcon Heavy effectively captured its commercial market share. ULA stockpiled approximately 100 RD-180 engines for the Atlas V to fulfill remaining contracts, with no new orders planned.

In 2022, Amazon selected ULA as one of its launch providers for Project Kuiper, a satellite internet constellation, awarding 9 launches on Atlas V and 38 on Vulcan Centaur, out of 83 total launches, marking ULA’s largest-ever commercial contract.{{Cite web |last=Avery |first=Greg |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Amazon gives Colorado's ULA its largest-ever rocket launch order with plans for satellite internet |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2022/04/05/colorado-ula-kuiper-amazon-vulcan-launch-contract.html |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Denver Business Journal}}

By late 2023, Boeing and Lockheed Martin were seeking to sell ULA, with potential buyers including Blue Origin,{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=2024-02-21 |title=Blue Origin has emerged as the likely buyer for United Launch Alliance |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/02/blue-origin-has-emerged-as-the-likely-buyer-for-united-launch-alliance/ |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=Ars Technica}} Cerberus Capital Management, and Textron.{{cite web |date=November 2023 |title=Sale of United Launch Alliance is nearing its end with three potential buyers |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/11/sale-of-united-launch-alliance-is-nearing-its-end-with-three-potential-buyers/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Ars Technica}} Reports in mid-2024 indicated Sierra Space was in advanced talks to acquire ULA.{{cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Boeing, Lockheed Martin in talks to sell ULA to Sierra Space |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeing-lockheed-martin-talks-sell-ula-sierra-space-2024-08-16/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Reuters}}{{cite web |date=2024-08-19 |title=Sierra Space in talks to acquire United Launch Alliance from Boeing and Lockheed Martin |url=https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2024/08/19/sierra-space-in-talks-to-acquire-united-launch-alliance-from-boeing-and-lockheed-martin/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=NewSpaceEconomy.ca}} As of 2025, however, the company had not been sold.

In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded ULA a $5.3 billion contract for 19 missions as part of a multibillion-dollar procurement covering approximately 80 national security launches between 2025 and 2034. SpaceX received the majority of missions (28), while Blue Origin was awarded seven.{{cite news |date=2025-04-04 |title=SpaceX, ULA expected to clinch multibillion-dollar contract for key Pentagon launches |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spacex-ula-expected-clinch-multibillion-dollar-contract-key-pentagon-launch-2025-04-04/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=Reuters}}

Military officials expressed growing frustration with ULA over ongoing delays in the Vulcan program. In testimony to the House Armed Services Committee in May 2025, Major General Stephen G. Purdy called the rocket's recent performance "unsatisfactory," noting that slow progress in replacing the Atlas and Delta launch vehicles had postponed four national security missions. These delays, he said, disrupted the Space Force’s ability to meet key objectives. Purdy added that ULA would need to "repair trust" and demonstrate greater accountability.{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=22 May 2025 |title= The Pentagon seems to be fed up with ULA’s rocket delays |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/05/the-pentagon-seems-to-be-fed-up-with-ulas-rocket-delays/ |access-date=23 May 2025 |work=Ars Technica}}

When the joint venture was founded in 2006, ULA inherited the Atlas rocket family from Lockheed Martin and the Delta rocket family from Boeing. As of 2024, the Delta family has been retired and the Atlas V is in the process of being retired. ULA began development of the Vulcan Centaur in 2014 as replacement for both the Atlas and Delta rocket families.{{Cite web |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=13 June 2024 |title=Blue Origin, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance picked for Pentagon rocket launch contracts |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/blue-origin-spacex-united-launch-alliance-picked-pentagon-rocket-launch-2024-06-13/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Reuters}}

File:CLPS PM-1 Astrobotic-ULA Rollout for Launch (KSC-20240105-PH-JBS01 0067).jpg

{{Main|Vulcan Centaur}}

The Vulcan Centaur is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ULA integrating technology from both its prior Atlas and Delta rocket families along with advancements. Vulcan has been designed to meet the requirements of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and be capable of achieving human-rating certification to allow the launch of a vehicle such as the Boeing Starliner or Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser.{{Cite tweet |number=770579558726668288 |user=torybruno |title=@A_M_Swallow @ULA_ACES We intend to human rate Vulcan/ACES |first=Tory |last=Bruno |access-date=August 30, 2016}}

The rocket was developed as ULA faced pressure to respond to growing competition from SpaceX{{Cite web |last=Heidler |first=Scott |date=2023-06-26 |title=ULA's Vulcan Centaur Rocket needs fix before launch |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/ula-vulcan-centaur-launch/44349339 |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=WESH |language=en}} and its reusable rockets and the need to phase out the RD-180 engine used on the Atlas V, which is built in Russia, and subject to international sanctions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Easley |first=Mikayla |date=5 August 2022 |title=U.S. Kicking Russian Rocket Engines to the Curb |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/8/5/us-kicking-russian-rocket-engines-to-the-curb |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=National Defense}}

The Vulcan Centaur has a maximum liftoff thrust of {{Convert|3800000|lbf|kN}}, enabling it to carry {{Convert|56000|lb}} to low Earth orbit, {{Convert|33000|lb|abbr=on}} to a geostationary transfer orbit, and {{Convert|16000|lb|abbr=on}} to geostationary orbit.{{Cite web |date=October 2023 |title=Vulcan Launch Systems User's Guide |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/rockets/2023_vulcan_user_guide.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416234106/https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/rockets/2023_vulcan_user_guide.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2024}}

The Vulcan first stage is the same size as the Delta family's Common Booster Core, uses two BE-4 engines built by Blue Origin and fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid methane (liquefied natural gas).{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |date=21 May 2021 |title=United Launch Alliance nears first fueling test on Vulcan rocket |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/05/21/ula-nears-first-fueling-test-on-vulcan-rocket/ |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=Space Flight Now}} The second stage is the Centaur V, an improved version of the Centaur III used on the Atlas, which is powered by two RL10 engines built by Aerojet Rocketdyne, fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The first stage can be supplemented by up to six GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters built by Northrop Grumman.

ULA is investigating a way to partially reuse its launch vehicles with the Sensible Modular Autonomous Return Technology (SMART) system. This system envisions jettisoning the BE-4 engines and avionics as a single unit which would be protected by an inflatable heat shield during its descent back to Earth. After being slowed by parachutes and splashing down in the ocean, the heat shield would double as a raft, and the engines and avionics module would be retrieved for refurbishment. ULA estimates that this approach could reduce the cost of producing the first stage of its rockets by 65%.{{cite web |last1=Klotz |first1=Irene |date=April 17, 2020 |title=Economics of Rocket Reuse Still Up in the Air |url=https://aviationweek.com/special-topics/sustainability/economics-rocket-reuse-still-air |access-date=August 17, 2020 |website=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}

Development of the Vulcan Centaur has been funded as a public–private partnership with the U.S. government contributing approximately US$1.2 billion toward initial development costs.{{cite web |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2018-10-10 |title=Air Force awards launch vehicle development contracts to Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, ULA |url=https://spacenews.com/air-force-awards-launch-vehicle-development-contracts-to-blue-origin-northrop-grumman-ula/ |access-date=2020-07-28 |website=SpaceNews}} Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected to contribute the remaining cost of development, estimated at 75% of the cost, as of March 2018.{{cite web |last=Gruss |first=Mike |date=2016-03-10 |title=ULA's parent companies still support Vulcan …with caution |url=http://spacenews.com/ulas-parent-companies-still-support-vulcan-with-caution/ |access-date=2016-03-11 |website=SpaceNews}}{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/air-force-stakes-future-on-privately-funded-launch-vehicles-will-the-gamble-pay-off/ |title=Air Force stakes future on privately funded launch vehicles. Will the gamble pay off? |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=March 25, 2018 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=2018-06-24}}

In October 2018, the NSSL program purchased a prototype Vulcan mission to be launched in 2019. In August 2020 ULA was awarded a contract to launch 60% of NSSL missions over a 5-year period beginning in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/air-force-to-end-agreements-with-blue-origin-and-northrop-grumman-prepares-for-launch-contract-protests/ |title=Air Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests |last=Erwin |first=Sandra |date=2020-08-09 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=2020-08-15}} However, Vulcan Centaur was delayed repeatedly. The inaugural flight occurred on January 8, 2024, successfully sending the Peregrine lunar lander into orbit toward the moon.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2024-01-08 |title=Vulcan Centaur launches Peregrine lunar lander on inaugural mission |url=https://spacenews.com/vulcan-centaur-launches-peregrine-lunar-lander-on-inaugural-mission/ |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |date=2024-01-07 |title=Vulcan Rocket's Inaugural Launch Carries Moon Lander to Space |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/science/nasa-vulcan-moon-launch.html |access-date=2024-06-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} This launch was intended to allow Astrobotic Technology to conduct five lunar experiments for NASA.

ULA completed a second test flight, named Cert-2, of the Vulcan Centaur on the morning of October 4, 2024 at Cape Canaveral. The Space Force will examine the flight data to determine if Vulcan Centaur will be certified for national security missions.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=JEff |date=2024-10-04 |title= Vulcan competes second flight despite SRB anomaly |url=https://spacenews.com/vulcan-competes-second-flight-despite-srb-anomaly/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}

File:NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test Launch (NHQ202406050029).jpg N22 launches {{ComV|CST-100 Starliner|Calypso|full=nolink}} on the Boeing Crew Flight Test]]

{{Main|Atlas V}}Developed by Lockheed Martin and transitioned to ULA in 2006,{{Cite web |last=Roulette |first=Joey |date=6 January 2024 |title=Vulcan rocket's space debut will be crucial for Boeing-Lockheed venture as sale talks loom |url=https://www.reuters.com/science/vulcan-rockets-space-debut-will-be-crucial-boeing-lockheed-venture-sale-talks-2024-01-06/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Reuters}} the Atlas V has been ULA's primary launch vehicle for over two decades. However, the rocket is currently nearing retirement, with all remaining flights booked and no new orders accepted. As of July 2024, Atlas V has completed 101 missions,{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2024-07-30 |title=With a landmark launch, the Pentagon is finally free of Russian rocket engines |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/with-a-landmark-launch-the-pentagon-is-finally-free-of-russian-rocket-engines/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}} with 15 launches scheduled.{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Mike Wall last |date=2024-07-29 |title=Atlas V rocket launches its final national security mission for US military (video) |url=https://www.space.com/atlas-v-final-national-security-launch-ussf-51- |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Space.com |language=en}} The rocket has been offered in eleven configurations, though only the "551" and "N22" remain operational.

Born from the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, the Atlas V's first successful launch took place in 2002.{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |date=2024-07-29 |title=Atlas V successfully launched its last ever national security mission |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/07/ussf-51/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US}} This expendable launch system utilizes a two-stage design. The first stage, named the Common Core Booster, uses a single Russian-made RD-180 engine, fueled by kerosene and liquid oxygen.{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=December 11, 2018 |title=Getting Vulcan up to speed: Part one of our interview with Tory Bruno |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/12/talking-rockets-with-tory-bruno-vulcan-the-moon-and-hat-condiments/ |access-date=December 12, 2018 |website=Ars Technica |quote=Centaur 3 (which flies on the Atlas V rocket) is 3.8 meters in diameter. The very first Centaur we fly on Vulcan will go straight to 5.4 meters in diameter.}} The second stage, a Centaur III powered by the RL10 engine burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The first stage can be supplemented by up to five AJ-60A or GEM 63 solid rocket boosters.

The Atlas V has undergone modifications for human spaceflight, specifically for Boeing's Starliner capsule. These modifications include upgraded computers for monitoring and abort capabilities, data links, and manual abort mechanisms for the crew. Notably, Starliner missions use a unique Atlas V configuration: two solid rocket boosters, no payload fairing, and a dual-engine Centaur second stage for a shallower launch profile and reduced crew G-forces. This configuration stands 172 feet tall, and ULA was contracted for nine Starliner missions with Atlas V.{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |date=6 November 2019 |title=ULA begins stacking unique Atlas 5 rocket for Starliner test flight |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/06/ula-begins-stacking-unique-atlas-5-rocket-for-starliner-test-flight/ |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=Spaceflight Now}}

File:Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.jpg while under construction]]

{{Main|Delta Cryogenic Second Stage#Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage}}

The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) provides the second stage boost for the initial configuration (Block 1) of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). The ICPS design was based on the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage employed by ULA's Delta launch vehicles. The ICPS is positioned atop the SLS core stage and directly below the Orion spacecraft.{{cite web |last1=Mohon |first1=Lee |date=27 July 2017 |title=Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Moves to Space Station Processing Facility |url=https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/interim-cryogenic-propulsion-stage-moves-to-space-station-processing-facility.html |access-date=7 July 2021 |website=NASA}} The ICPS has a cylindrical liquid hydrogen tank, structurally designed to bear launch loads, while the liquid oxygen and single RL10B-2 engine are suspended from the hydrogen tank and are covered by the interstage during launch.{{cite web |url=http://www.braeunig.us/space/specs/delta.htm |title=Space Launchers — Delta |first=Robert A. |last=Braeunig |date=2 November 2009 |website=Rocket and Space Technology |access-date=26 January 2012}} Only three ICPS stages were ever built, one for each of the Artemis I, II, and III missions. Following these missions, the ICPS will be replaced by the Exploration Upper Stage built by Boeing.

{{Main|Delta II}}

Delta II was an expendable launch system that was originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas,{{Cite web |author1=Nola Taylor Tillman |date=2018-09-27 |title=Delta II Rocket: 30 Years of Launches |url=https://www.space.com/41961-delta-ii-rocket.html |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=Space.com |language=en}} and was later built by Boeing prior to the formation of ULA. Delta II was part of the Delta rocket family and entered service in 1989. ULA flew thirty missions using Delta II starting in 2006. Delta II vehicles included the Delta 6000 and the two later Delta 7000 variants ("Light" and "Heavy"). The rocket flew its final mission ICESat-2 on 15 September 2018. A nearly-complete Delta II, made from flight-qualified spare parts, is displayed in its 7320-10 configuration in the rocket garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/09/15/leftover-delta-2-rocket-to-go-on-display-at-kennedy-space-center/ |title=Leftover Delta 2 rocket to go on display at Kennedy Space Center |website=Spaceflight Now |access-date=2018-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129220657/https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/09/15/leftover-delta-2-rocket-to-go-on-display-at-kennedy-space-center/ |archive-date=2019-01-29 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2021/03/23/new-ula-delta-rocket-display-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex/4797504001/ |title=New rocket on display at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex |last1=Joy |first1=Rachel |date=March 23, 2021 |newspaper=Florida Today |access-date=March 23, 2021}}

{{Main|Delta IV}}

Delta IV is a group of five expendable launch systems in the Delta rocket family, which was introduced in the early 2000s.{{cite web |url=http://www.astronautix.com/d/deltaiv.html |title=Delta IV |website=Astronautix.com |access-date=2020-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819230855/http://astronautix.com/d/deltaiv.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 August 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/launch/delta_IV_count_101_prt.htm |title=Countdown 101: Delta IV |website=NASA |access-date=2020-08-15 |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020173705/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/launch/delta_IV_count_101_prt.htm |url-status=dead }} {{PD-notice}} The Delta IV was originally designed by Boeing's Defense, Space & Security division for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, and became a ULA product in 2006. The Delta IV was mostly used for launching United States Air Force military payloads but was also used to launch a number of U.S. government non-military payloads and one commercial satellite.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/22/20826907/united-launch-alliance-delta-iv-medium-rocket-last-launch-vulcan |title=Watch as ULA launches the final flight of its Delta IV Medium rocket |last1=Grush |first1=Loren |date=August 22, 2019 |website=The Verge |access-date=2 September 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/41797-ula-boeing-delta-rocket-family-history.html |title=Meet the Delta Rocket Family of the United Launch Alliance |last1=Bartels |first1=Meghan |date=13 September 2018 |website=Space.com |access-date=2 September 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.universetoday.com/tag/vulcan-rocket/ |title=Fuel Control Valve Faulted for Atlas Launch Anomaly |date=30 April 2016 |website=Universe Today |access-date=29 October 2020}} Delta IV had two main versions, which allowed the family to accommodate a range of payload sizes and masses; models includes Medium, which had four configurations, and the Heavy. Payloads that would previously fly on Medium moved to either Atlas V or Vulcan Centaur.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/08/delta-iv-medium-retirement-gps-finale/ |title=Delta IV Medium's well-earned retirement with GPS finale |last=Gebhardt |first=Chris |date=2019-08-22 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=2020-08-15}}{{cite web |url=https://www.boeing.com/history/products/delta-rocket.page |title=Historical Snapshot: Delta Rockets |website=Boeing |access-date=29 October 2020}}

{{Main|Delta IV Heavy}}

Delta IV Heavy was the largest member of the Delta IV family. Boeing flew it on one mission prior to the formation of ULA, and ULA on fifteen missions from 2007 to 2024. Its final launch was April 9, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.{{Cite web |title=Delta IV Heavy set for its final flight from Cape Canaveral, but weather remains a concern |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2024/03/26/ula-delta-iv-heavy-set-to-liftoff-thursday-launch-weather-outlook-nrol70-nro-cape-canaveral-florida/73094098007/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Delta IV Heavy rocket launch from Cape Canaveral: How to stream our space coverage on iPhone, TV |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2024/03/27/delta-heavy-launch-livestream-florida-how-to-watch-twitter-youtube-instagram/73114362007/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Heidler |first=Scott |date=2024-03-27 |title=Delta IV Heavy: Powerful rocket to take final flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/delta-iv-heavy-final-launch/60311042 |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=WESH |language=en}} The Delta IV Heavy combined a {{cvt|5|m}} diameter DCSS and payload fairing with two additional CBCs. These are strap-on boosters which are separated earlier in the flight than the center CBC. The 5 meter diameter composite fairing was standard on the Delta IV Heavy,{{cite web |date=2005-06-06 |title=Delta IV Heavy Demonstration Flight Mission Information |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/kits/d310_d4heavy_demo.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006021346/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/kits/d310_d4heavy_demo.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |website=Boeing}} with an aluminum isogrid fairing also available. The aluminum trisector (three-part) fairing was built by Boeing and derived from a Titan IV fairing.{{cite web |date=September 2007 |title=Delta IV Payload Planners Guide |url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/DeltaIVPayloadPlannersGuide2007.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722081616/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/DeltaIVPayloadPlannersGuide2007.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-22 |website=United Launch Alliance |pages=1–7}} The trisector fairing was first used on the DSP-23 flight.{{cite web |date=2010-11-02 |title=Fact Sheet: Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle |url=http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3643 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427031225/http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3643 |archive-date=April 27, 2014 |website=U.S. Air Force Space Command}} Delta IV Heavy had 16 launches in its lifetime.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=2024-03-27 |title=The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket whose time has come and gone, will fly once more |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/the-delta-iv-heavy-a-rocket-whose-time-has-come-and-gone-will-fly-once-more/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |author1=Robert Z. Pearlman |date=2024-04-09 |title='Heavy' history: ULA launches final Delta rocket after 64 years (video, photos) |url=https://www.space.com/final-delta-4-heavy-rocket-launch-nrol-70 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Space.com |language=en}}

{{Main|List of Delta II launches|Atlas V#Atlas V launches|Delta IV#Delta IV launches|Vulcan Centaur#Vulcan Centaur launches}}

{{ #invoke:Chart | bar-chart

| height = 300

| width = 700

| stack = 1

| group 1 = 0: 3: 2: 5: 4: 5: 6: 8: 9: 9: 8: 6: 5: 2: 5: 4: 7: 2: 2: 1

| group 2 = 1: 8: 5: 8: 1: 3: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0

| group 3 = 0: 0: 0: 2: 2: 2: 2: 3: 2: 3: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0

| group 4 = 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0

| group 5 = 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0

| colors = Green : Orange : LightBlue : Blue : Red

| group names = Atlas V : Delta II : Delta IV Medium : Delta IV Heavy : Vulcan Centaur

| group legends = remove-this-text-to-show-auto-legend

| units suffix = _flights

| x legends = 2006{{efn|ULA launch. Prior launches were by Boeing or Lockheed Martin.}} :::: 2010 ::::: 2015 ::::: 2020 :::::

| y tick marks = 10

}}

Statistics are up-to-date {{as of|2025|04|28|lc=on}}.

{{notelist}}

File:Ignition of the engines of a Delta II.jpg

The first launch conducted by ULA was a Delta II from Vandenberg Space Force Base on 14 December 2006,{{cite web |url=http://www.metrodenver.org/news-center/metro-denver-news/ULA.html |title=United Launch Alliance set for takeoff |website=Metro Denver EDC |access-date=10 October 2009 |archive-date=18 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318092520/http://www.metrodenver.org/news-center/metro-denver-news/ULA.html |url-status=dead}} carrying the satellite USA-193 for the National Reconnaissance Office.{{cite press release |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11704 |title=DoD Succeeds In Intercepting Non-Functioning Satellite |date=February 20, 2008 |number=No. 0139–08 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=2009-10-09}} {{PD-notice}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/united-launch-alliance-celebrate-75-launch-milestone/ |title=United Launch Alliance celebrate 75 launch milestone |last1=Graham |first1=William |last2=Bergin |first2=Chris |date=September 18, 2013 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=June 6, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/06/trmm-spacecraft-destructive-re-entry/ |title=TRMM spacecraft completes destructive re-entry over South Indian Ocean |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |date=June 15, 2015 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/637bf054-8e34-11e5-8be4-3506bf20cc2b |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211181255/https://www.ft.com/content/637bf054-8e34-11e5-8be4-3506bf20cc2b |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Satellite wars |last1=Jones |first1=Sam |date=November 20, 2015 |newspaper=Financial Times |access-date=July 26, 2018 }} The satellite failed shortly after launch and was intentionally destroyed on 21 February 2008, by an SM-3 missile that was fired from the {{sclass|Ticonderoga|cruiser}} {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}}. ULA's first Atlas V launch was in March 2007; it was an Atlas V variant 401 launching six military research satellites for Space Test Program (STP) 1. This mission also performed three burns of the Centaur upper stage; it was the first three-burn mission for Atlas V.

ULA's first commercial mission COSMO-SkyMed was launched on behalf of Italy's Ministry of Defense three months later using a Delta II rocket. On June 15, 2007, the engine in the Centaur upper stage of a ULA-launched Atlas V shut down early, leaving its payload – a pair of NROL-30 ocean surveillance satellites – in a lower than intended orbit.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/NRO062207.xml |title=NRO Shortfall May Delay Upcoming ULA Missions | first=Frank Jr. |last=Morring |date=June 22, 2007 |website=Aviation Week |access-date=3 March 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205112909/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FNRO062207.xml}} The NRO declared the launch a success.{{cite web |url=http://www.nro.gov/news/press/2007/2007-02.pdf |title=NRO L-30 Launch Update |date=June 18, 2007 |website=National Reconnaissance Office |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217191851/http://www.nro.gov/news/press/2007/2007-02.pdf |archive-date=2013-02-17}} {{PD-notice}}

2007 also saw ULA's first two interplanetary spacecraft launches using the Delta II; the Phoenix probe was launched to Mars in August 2007 and the Dawn satellite to was launched to the asteroids Vesta and Ceres in September 2007.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/05/atlas-v-first-interplanetary-west-coast-launch-insight-mars/ |title=Atlas V launches first West Coast interplanetary mission with InSight spacecraft to Mars |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=May 5, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=Launched by a Delta II rocket in August 2007, Phoenix touched down on Mars on 25 May 2008.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/38309-nasa-dawn-asteroid-mission-10-years.html |title=Happy Anniversary, Dawn! Record-Setting NASA Probe Marks 10 Years in Space |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=September 29, 2017 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=NASA's Dawn spacecraft launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket on 27 September 2007.}} Using a Delta II, the WorldView-1 satellite was also launched into a low Earth orbit on behalf of DigitalGlobe. The company's first launch to geostationary transfer orbit using an Atlas V 421 variant carrying the USA-195 (or WGS-1) communications satellite also occurred that year.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/ula-delta-iv-wgs-9-launch/ |title=ULA Delta IV successfully launches WGS-9 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=March 18, 2017 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} ULA's tenth mission was launching satellite GPS IIR-17 into medium Earth orbit on a Delta II. The company completed its first Delta IV launch using the Delta IV Heavy rocket to place a payload into geosynchronous orbit in November 2007, which was followed by three more launches in December 2007.

2008 saw seven launches, including Atlas V's from Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex 3E and five others using the Delta II. The Atlas launch carried NROL-28 in March 2008{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/12/atlas-v-launch-nrol-35-vandenberg/ |title=Atlas V launches NROL-35 out of Vandenberg |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=December 12, 2014 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} and in September 2008 the GeoEye-1 satellite was orbited by a Delta II rocket.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-geoeye/geoeye-launches-high-resolution-satellite-idUSN0633403420080906 |title=GeoEye launches high-resolution satellite |last1=Shalal-Esa |first1=Andrea |date=September 6, 2008 |website=Reuters |access-date=July 16, 2018}} ULA completed eight Delta II, five Atlas V, and three Delta IV launches in 2009. The Delta II launches carried three Space Tracking and Surveillance System satellites over two launches, two Global Positioning System satellites,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/08/live-last-gps-iir-satellite-launch-on-final-slc-17a-delta-ii/ |title=Last GPS IIR satellite launched on final SLC-17A Delta II |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 17, 2009 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} and the NOAA-19 and WorldView-2 satellites,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/02/live-ula-delta-ii-nasas-noaa-n-prime/ |title=ULA Delta II launches on third attempt with NASA's NOAA-N Prime |date=February 4, 2009 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018|quote=A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket has launched with the NASA NOAA-N Prime spacecraft at the third attempt to launch from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California – at 02:22 a.m. PST – following two scrubs due to technical issues.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/ula-delta-ii-penultimate-launch-jpss-1/ |title=Delta II launches on penultimate mission with JPSS-1 |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |date=November 18, 2017 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} as well as the Kepler and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer space telescopes.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/12/live-ula-delta-ii-launch-with-wise/ |title=ULA Delta II successfully launches with WISE |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=December 14, 2009 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}}

The Atlas launches carried the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and LCROSS mission as part of the Lunar Precursor Robotic Program, which was later intentionally crashed into the Moon and found the existence of water;{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LCROSS/main/prelim_water_results.html |title=LCROSS Impact Data Indicates Water on Moon |date=November 13, 2009 |website=NASA |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405082435/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LCROSS/main/prelim_water_results.html |url-status=dead }} {{PD-notice}} other 2009 Atlas V launches in included Intelsat 14, WGS-2, PAN, and a weather satellite as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). The Delta IV rockets carried the NROL-26, GOES 14,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/06/tenth-delta-iv-goes-o-weather-satellite-for-noaa/ |title=Delta IV launches with GOES-O weather satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=June 27, 2009 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, carrying the GOES-O weather satellite for the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has launched on Saturday, following Friday's scrub due to unacceptable weather.}} and WGS-3 satellites.

In 2010, Atlas V launches deployed the Solar Dynamics Observatory, the first Boeing X-37B, the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite, and the NROL-41. The Delta II system placed the last COSMO-SkyMed and Delta IV launches deployed the GOES 15, GPS Block IIF, and USA-223 satellites.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/11/live-delta-iv-heavy-launch-with-nrol-3/ |title=Delta IV Heavy launches with NROL-32 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=November 21, 2010 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV vehicle has launched the classified NROL-32 payload for the United States National Reconnaissance Office from Space Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral, at 17:58 EST.}} ULA completed eleven launches in 2011, including five by Atlas, three by Delta II, and three by Delta IV. The Atlas system orbited another Boeing X-37, two NROL-34 signals intelligence satellites,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/ula-atlas-v-launch-with-nrol-34/ |title=ULA Atlas V launches with NROL-34 payload |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=April 14, 2011 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} a Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite, the Juno spacecraft and Curiosity rover.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/08/ula-atlasv-nasa-juno-jupiter/ |title=ULA Atlas V launches NASA's Juno on a path to Jupiter |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 5, 2011 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance (ULA) have launched their Atlas V carrying NASA's Juno probe on its way to Jupiter on Friday.}} The Delta II launches placed the SAC-D and Suomi NPP satellites into orbit,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/06/live-ula-delta-ii-launch-sac-d-spacecraft/ |title=ULA Delta II launches with the SAC-D spacecraft |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=June 10, 2011 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=The United Launch Alliance (ULA) have launched their Delta II rocket to loft the SAC-D spacecraft into orbit for the Argentine space agency, CONAE, on Friday.}} as well as two spacecraft associated with NASA's GRAIL lunar mission. Delta IV launches carried the NROL-49, NROL-27,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/03/live-delta-iv-nrol-27/ |title=Delta IV dodges upper level winds and launches with NROL-27 satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=March 11, 2011 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} and another GPS satellite.

ULA's 2012 launches included six Atlas Vs and four Delta IVs. The Atlas system carried Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and AEHF satellites, another Boeing X-37, the Intruder and Quasar satellites, and the Van Allen Probes. Delta IVs deployed GPS and WGS satellites USA-233,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/ula-delta-iv-launch-wgs-5-satellite/ |title=ULA Delta IV successfully lofts WGS-5 satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=May 24, 2013 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/01/live-ula-launch-delta-iv-fourth-wgs/ |title=ULA Delta IV successfully launches the fourth WGS spacecraft |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=January 19, 2012 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance have conducted the United States' first orbital launch of the year on Thursday, when their Delta IV launched with the fourth Wideband Global Satcom spacecraft.}} as well as NROL-25{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/live-ula-delta-iv-launch-nrol-25-military-satellite-vafb/ |title=ULA Delta IV launches the NROL-25 military satellite from VAFB |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=April 3, 2012 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=A new Delta IV configuration has made its first flight Tuesday, carrying the NROL-25 payload for the United States National Reconnaissance Office.}} and NROL-15 on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/06/delta-iv-heavy-launch-nrol-15-cape-canaveral/ |title=Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-15 from Cape Canaveral |first=William |last=Graham |date=June 29, 2012 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket has made its twentieth launch Friday morning from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, carrying the classified NROL-15 payload for the United States National Reconnaissance Office.}}

In 2013, the Atlas flew eight times.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/ula-atlas-v-gps-iif-8-launch/ |title=ULA Atlas V successfully launches with GPS IIF-8 satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=October 29, 2014 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} The system launched the TDRS-11,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/ula-altas-v-launch-tdrs-k/ |title=ULA Altas V successfully launches with TDRS-K |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=January 30, 2013 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} Landsat 8, AEHF-3, and NROL-39 satellites, as well as SBIRS, GPS, and MUOS satellites, as well as NASA's MAVEN space probe to Mars. Delta IV launches orbited the fifth and sixth Wideband Global SATCOM satellites WGS-5 and WGS-6,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/ula-delta-iv-launch-wgs-6/ |title=ULA Delta IV launches with WGS-6 satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 7, 2013 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} as well as NROL-65.{{cite news |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/07/united-launch-alliance-space-trucks/ |title=United Launch Alliance chief says he wants to develop a fleet of "space trucks" to ferry people between Earth and moon |date=April 7, 2017 |newspaper=The Denver Post |access-date=June 15, 2018}}

In 2014, ULA's Atlas V orbited the TDRS-12 communications satellite in January,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/ula-atlas-v-launch-tdrs-l/ |title=ULA opens 2014 campaign with Atlas V launch of TDRS-L |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=January 23, 2014 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance successfully conducted their first mission of 2014 Thursday evening, with an Atlas V deploying NASA's latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-L.}} the WorldView-3 commercial satellite in August 2014,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/ula-atlas-v-worldview-3-launch/ |title=ULA Atlas V launches WorldView-3 satellite out of Vandenberg |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 13, 2014 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance (ULA) conducted a commercial Atlas V launch on Wednesday on behalf of Lockheed Martin, orbiting DigitalGlobe's WorldView-3 imaging satellite.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/worldview-3-satellite-will-upgrade-googles-earth-images-n179226 |title=WorldView-3 Satellite Will Upgrade Google's Earth Images |date=August 12, 2014 |website=NBC News |access-date=July 16, 2018}} and the CLIO communications satellite during September and October 2014. Atlas rockets also carried the satellites DMSP-5D-3/F19, NROL-67, NROL-33, and NROL-35. Delta IV rockets orbited GPS satellites and two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites, and in July 2014, NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 was carried by a Delta II. Orion's first test flight was launched by a Delta IV Heavy rocket in December 2014, as part of Exploration Flight Test-1.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/30738-united-launch-alliance-100th-rocket-launch.html |title=Dazzling Rocket Launch Marks 100th Liftoff for United Launch Alliance |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=October 2, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 12, 2018}}

A Delta II rocket orbited a Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite in January 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/28399-nasa-launches-earth-dirt-satellite.html |title=NASA Launches Satellite to Get the Dirt on Earth's Dirt |last1=Kramer |first1=Miriam |date=January 31, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}} In March 2015, an Atlas V rocket carried NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission spacecraft,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/ula-atlas-v-mms-launch/ |title=MMS successfully launched by ULA's Atlas V |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=March 12, 2015 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/28816-nasa-mms-satellites-nighttime-launch.html |title=Spectacular Night Launch Sends NASA Satellites on Hunt for Magnetic Collisions |last1=Cofield |first1=Calla |date=March 13, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018 }} and a Delta IV rocket orbited the GPS IIF-9 satellite on behalf of the U.S. Air Force.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/ula-delta-iv-gps-iif9/ |title=ULA Delta IV successfully launches GPS IIF-9 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=March 25, 2015 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 17, 2018 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/28926-air-force-launches-gps-satellite.html |title=US Air Force Launches Advanced GPS Satellite into Orbit |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=26 March 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}} The U.S. Air Force's X-37B spaceplane was carried by an Atlas V rocket in May 2015,{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/29448-x37b-space-plane-launches-fourth-mission.html |title=US Air Force Launches X-37B Space Plane on 4th Mystery Mission |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=May 20, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018 }} and a Delta IV orbited the WGS-7 satellite in July 2015.{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/delta-4-launches-7th-wgs-satellite/ |title=Delta 4 Launches 7th WGS satellite |last1=Gruss |first1=Mike |date=July 23, 2015 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=July 17, 2018}} The fourth MUOS satellite was orbited by an Atlas V in September 2015.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/09/02/atlas-v-rocket-launch/71562068/ |title=Atlas V delivers military satellite to orbit |last1=Dean |first1=James |date=September 2, 2015 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/go-for-launch/os-atlas-v-launch-time-now-618-am-20150902-post.html |title=Atlas V liftoff creates cloud of confusion |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |date=September 2, 2015 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=July 17, 2018}} ULA's 100th consecutive successful liftoff was completed on 2 October 2015, when an Atlas V rocket orbited a Mexican Satellite System communications satellite on behalf of the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation. The classified NROL-55 satellite was launched by an Atlas V rocket several days later.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/30772-nrol-55-spy-satellite-mission-cubesat-photos.html |title=Launch Photos: NROL-55 Spy Satellite and Cubesats Blast Off |date=October 8, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018 }} Atlas V rockets launched GPS Block IIF satellites and the Cygnus cargo spacecraft in November 2015 and December 2015, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-air-force-launches-11th-gps-2f-satellite/ |title=U.S. Air Force Launches 11th GPS 2F Satellite |last1=Gruss |first1=Mike |date=November 2, 2015 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35023614 |title=Rocket carries US supplies to International Space Station |date=December 7, 2015 |website=BBC News |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/31278-cygnus-spacecraft-launch-orbital-atk-return-to-flight.html |title=Cygnus Spaceship Launch Restarts Orbital ATK Cargo Missions for NASA |last1=Lewin |first1=Sarah |date=December 6, 2015 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018 }}

In 2016, Delta IV rockets carried the NROL-45 satellite and Air Force Space Command 6 mission in February 2016 and August 2016, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/ula-delta-iv-nrol-45-launch/ |title=ULA Delta IV launches with NROL-45 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=February 9, 2016 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/08/ula-delta-iv-loft-afspc-6/ |title=ULA Delta IV successfully launches AFSPC-6 mission |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 19, 2016 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 17, 2018}} During a launch of the Atlas V rocket on 22 March 2016, a minor first-stage anomaly led to shutdown of the first-stage engine approximately five seconds before anticipated. The Centaur upper stage was able to compensate by firing for approximately one minute longer than planned using its reserved fuel margin.{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/24/atlas-5-rocket-forced-to-improvise-during-tuesdays-climb-to-orbit/ |title=Atlas 5 rocket forced to improvise during Tuesday's climb to orbit |last1=Ray |first1=Justin |date=24 March 2016 |website=SpaceFlight Now |access-date=24 March 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-osiris-rex.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+OSIRIS-REx+Spacecraft+for+NASA |title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft for NASA |date=8 September 2016 |website=United Launch Alliance |access-date=10 September 2016}} Atlas V rockets carried MUOS-5 in June 2016,{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/33272-launch-success-muos-5-satellite.html |title=Military Satellite Launched Into Orbit by United Launch Alliance |last1=Cofield |first1=Calla |date=June 24, 2016 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/atlas-5-returns-to-flight-with-launch-of-navys-muos-5/ |title=Atlas 5 returns to flight with launch of Navy's MUOS-5 |last1=Gruss |first1=Mike |date=June 24, 2016 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=July 17, 2018}} NROL-61 satellites in July 2016,{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/33569-american-spy-satellite-nrol61-launch-success.html |title=New American Spy Satellite Launches on Secret Mission |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=July 28, 2016 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/atlas-5-launches-nro-mission-from-the-cape/ |title=Atlas 5 launches NRO mission from the Cape |first=Mike |last=Gruss |date=July 28, 2016 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=July 17, 2018}} and the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft in September 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/34007-nasa-launches-osiris-rex-asteroid-sampling-mission.html |title=Next Stop, Bennu! NASA Launches Bold Asteroid-Sampling Mission |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=September 8, 2016 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}}

ULA launched multiple satellites in late 2016. The weather satellite Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) was carried in November 2016,{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/next-generation-weather-satellite-launches-to-begin-forecasting-revolution/ |title=Next-generation weather satellite launches to begin forecasting "revolution" |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=November 20, 2016 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/go-for-launch/os-ula-launch-site-20161207-story.html |title=Delta IV rocket carrying Air Force satellite launches from Cape Canaveral |last1=Santana |first1=Marco |date=December 7, 2016 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-date=11 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211112306/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/go-for-launch/os-ula-launch-site-20161207-story.html |url-status=dead }} as was the WorldView-4 imaging satellite.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/11/atlas-v-worldview-4-launch-vandenberg/ |title=Atlas V launches WorldView-4 out of Vandenberg |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=November 10, 2016 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket – interrupted by a wildfire – finally conducted a rare commercial launch on Friday, tasked with orbiting the WorldView-4 Earth-imaging satellite in a mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.}} In December 2016, the Wideband Global SATCOM's eighth satellite WGS-8 was launched on a Delta IV Medium rocket,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/12/ula-delta-iv-wgs-8-launch/ |title=ULA Delta IV launches WGS-8 satellite |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=December 7, 2016 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance (ULA) has launched a Delta IV rocket on Wednesday evening, carrying the eighth satellite in the U.S. Air Force's Wideband Global Satcom system.}} and an Atlas V carried the EchoStar XIX communications satellite on behalf of Hughes Communications.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/12/atlas-v-ulas-2016-echostar-xix/ |title=Atlas V completes ULA's 2016 with EchoStar XIX launch |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=December 18, 2016 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance launched its last Atlas V rocket of 2016 Sunday, deploying the EchoStar XIX commercial communications satellite for Hughes Netwebsite Systems.}}{{cite news |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2016/12/18/atlasv-rocket-launches-echostar19-satellite-cape-canaveral-air-force-station-florida/95521440/ |title=Atlas V rocket launches EchoStar 19 satellite |last1=Dean |first1=James |date=December 18, 2016 |newspaper=Florida Today |access-date=July 17, 2018}} In March 2017, WGS-9 was orbited by a Delta IV.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/delta-4-rocket-launches-military-comsat/ |title=Delta 4 rocket launches powerful military satellite |last1=Harwood |first1=William |date=March 18, 2017 |website=CBS News |access-date=July 17, 2018}} Atlas V rockets carried NRO satellites,{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/atlas-5-rocket-launches-secret-military-payload/ |title=Atlas 5 rocket launches secret military payload |last1=Harwood |first1=William |date=March 1, 2017 |website=CBS News |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/01/watch-a-ula-atlas-v-rocket-launch-right-here/ |title=United Launch Alliance successfully launches an Atlas V with U.S. reconnaissance satellite on board |last1=Etherington |first1=Darrell |date=March 1, 2017 |website=TechCrunch |access-date=July 17, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fifth-times-the-charm-for-atlas-rocket-and-nro/ |title=Fifth time's the charm for Atlas rocket and NRO |last1=Hardwood |first1=William |date=October 15, 2017 |website=CBS News |access-date=July 17, 2018}} TDRS-M,{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/ula-atlas-v-loft-tdrs-m-cape-canaveral/ |title=ULA Atlas V launches TDRS-M out of Cape Canaveral |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=18 August 2017 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018}} and a Cygnus cargo capsule in 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/36499-atlas-v-rocket-launches-cygnus-cargo-ship-oa7.html |title=Atlas V Rocket Launches Private Cygnus Cargo Ship to Space Station |last1=Klotz |first1=Irene |date=April 18, 2017 |website=Space.com |access-date=July 17, 2018}} The weather satellite NOAA-20 (JPSS-1) was launched by a Delta II rocket in November 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-launches-powerful-weather-satellite/ |title=NASA launches powerful polar weather satellite |last1=Harwood |first1=William |date=November 18, 2017 |website=CBS News |access-date=July 16, 2018}}

File:Parker Solar Probe Launch (NHQ201808120013).jpg

An Atlas V carried the SBIRS-GEO 4 military satellite in January 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/atlas-v-sbirs-geo-4-launch-cape-canaveral/ |title=Atlas V launches with SBIRS GEO-4 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=January 19, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=July 16, 2018 |quote=United Launch Alliance's Atlas V has launched on her seventy-fifth flight, lofting the SBIRS GEO-4, a missile early warning satellite.}} The Atlas V's launch of NASA's InSight to Mars in 2018 was the first interplanetary probe to depart from the U.S. West Coast. In August 2018, a Delta IV Heavy launched Parker Solar Probe, NASA's solar space probe that was to visit and study the Sun's outer corona in August 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/41460-nasa-parker-solar-probe-launch-photos.html |title=Launch Photos! NASA's Parker Solar Probe Blasts Off to Touch the Sun |last1=Bartels |first1=Meghan |date=August 12, 2018 |website=Space.com |access-date=May 13, 2020}} It was also the Delta IV Heavy with a Star-48BV kick stage,{{cite web |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/03/18/delta-4-heavy-selected-for-launch-of-solar-probe/ |title=Delta 4-Heavy selected for launch of solar probe |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=March 18, 2015 |website=Spaceflight Now |access-date=March 18, 2015}} and the highest-ever spacecraft velocity.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/parkersolarprobe_presskit_august2018_final.pdf |title=NASA Press Kit: Parker Solar Probe |website=NASA |access-date=15 August 2018}} {{PD-notice}} The company launched the final Delta II rocket, carrying ICESat-2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base SLC-2 on 15 September 2018. This marks the last launch of a Delta family rocket based on the original Thor IRBM.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/09/delta-end-legacy-icesat-2-launch/ |title=Delta II concludes amazing legacy with ICESat-2 launch |date=15 September 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=2018-09-16}} On 22 August 2019, ULA launched its last Delta IV Medium rocket for the GPS III Magellan project.{{cite web |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/about/news/2019/08/22/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-gps-iii-satellite-for-u.s.-air-force-space-and-missile-systems-center |title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center |date=2019-08-22 |website=United Launch Alliance}} An Atlas V carried Boeing's Starliner Orbital Flight Test (OFT) mission for NASA in December 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-orbital-flight-test-rocket-rollout.html |title=Boeing's 1st Starliner and Atlas V Rocket Arrive at Pad for Friday Launch |last1=Wall |first1=Mike |date=December 18, 2019 |website=Space.com |access-date=May 13, 2020}}

In 2020, an Atlas V carried the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, an international collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA to provide a new global view of the Sun.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/solar-orbiter-atlas-v-rocket-launch-success.html |title=Solar Orbiter launches on historic mission to study the sun's poles |last1=Thompson |first1=Amy |date=February 10, 2020 |website=Space.com |access-date=May 13, 2020}} In March 2020, an Atlas V also launched Advanced Extremely High Frequency 6 (AEHF-6), the first U.S. Space Force National Security Mission.{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/ulas-atlas-5-launches-aehf-6-communications-satellite-in-its-first-mission-for-u-s-space-force/ |title=ULA's Atlas 5 launches AEHF-6 communications satellite in its first mission for U.S. Space Force |last1=Erwin |first1=Sandra |date=March 26, 2020 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=March 27, 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/space-force-launches-military-satellite-aehf-6.html |title=US launches advanced satellite in 1st Space Force national security mission |last1=Thompson |first1=Amy |date=March 26, 2020 |website=Space.com |access-date=March 27, 2020}} In May 2020, ULA launched an Atlas V rocket carrying the USSF-7 mission with the X-37B spaceplane for the U.S Space Force and the mission honored victims of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as first responders, health professionals, military personnel, and other essential workers.{{cite web |url=https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/defense/ula-successfully-launches-atlas-v-x-37b-spaceplane/ |title=ULA Successfully Launches Atlas V, X-37B Spaceplane |last1=Cross |first1=Theresa |date=May 17, 2020 |website=Spaceflight Insider |access-date=July 15, 2020}} On 30 July 2020, Atlas V in the 541 configuration successfully launched Perseverance and Ingenuity as part of Mars 2020 towards Mars.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/07/perseverance-ingenuity-ready-journey-to-mars/ |title=Perseverance, Ingenuity begin seven month journey to Mars |last1=Gebhardt |first1=Chris |date=29 July 2020 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=31 July 2020}} In November 2020, ULA launched NROL-101, a top secret spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, on board their Atlas V in a 531 configuration. This launch was notable because it was the first flight of the GEM-63 solid rocket boosters, a version of which will be used on their Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/11/atlas-v-new-boosters-nrol-101/ |title=Atlas V successfully launches NROL-101 |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=13 November 2020 |website=NASA |access-date=22 November 2020}} {{PD-notice}}

On 18 May 2021, the SBIRS GEO 5 missile-warning satellite was launched on an Atlas V 421 rocket.{{cite web |url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/03/29/americas-next-missile-warning-satellite-arrives-in-florida/ |title=America's next missile warning satellite arrives in Florida |last1=Strout |first1=Nathan |date=29 March 2021 |website=C4ISR |access-date=6 April 2021}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/missions-details/2021/05/18/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-sbirs-geo-flight-5-mission-in-support-of-national-security |title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches SBIRS GEO Flight 5 Mission in Support of National Security |date=2021-05-18 |website=United Launch Alliance |access-date=2021-05-24}}{{Cite tweet |author=United Launch Alliance |user=ulalaunch |number=1394739082471825411 |title=MISSION SUCCESS! United Launch Alliance's #AtlasV deploys #SBIRSGEO5 for the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center... |access-date=2021-05-24}}

File:NHQ202110160012 - Lucy Spacecraft Launch.jpg

The Lucy spaceflight began on 16 October 2021 upon launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket{{cite web |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/10/nasa-ula-launch-lucy/ |title=NASA, ULA launch historic Lucy mission |last=Warren |first=Haygen |date=16 October 2021 |website=NASA Spaceflight |access-date=26 October 2021}} into a stable parking orbit. During the next hour, the second stage reignited to place Lucy on an interplanetary trajectory in a heliocentric orbit on a twelve-year mission to two groups of Sun-Jupiter Lagrange point Trojan asteroids as well as a close flyby of a mainbelt asteroid during one of three planned passes through the asteroid belt. If the spacecraft remains operational during the 12-year planned duration, it is likely the controlled flight will be continued and directed at additional asteroid targets.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQfNRcwzCQ8 |title=Asteroid Hunter: Lucy's Journey to the Trojan Asteroids |medium=video |people=Derek 'DK' Knabenbauer, Haygen Warren, Chris Gebhardt, and Stephen Marr |website=NASA Spaceflight |date=15 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021}}

File:Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy SpaKSC-20180220-PH KLS02 0009ce Center (38580180480).jpg at CCSFS in February 2018]]

{{As of|2024|6}}, ULA operates two launch facilities: Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=August 29, 2012 |title=Atlas V launches at the third attempt with RBSP spacecraft |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/nasa-rbsp-spacecraft-ride-ula-atlas-v/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight}}{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=October 15, 2017 |title=Atlas V successfully launches with NROL-52 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight}} and Space Launch Complex 3 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base near Lompoc, California.{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=April 14, 2018 |title=ULA Atlas V successfully launches with AFSPC-11 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/04/ula-atlas-v-afspc-11-launch/ |access-date=July 30, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight}}{{cite web |last1=Howell |first1=Elizabeth |date=April 9, 2018 |title=Atlas V: Reliable, Flexible Rocket |url=https://www.space.com/40250-atlas-v-rocket.html |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=Space.com}} The Cape Canaveral facility is equipped with a crew access arm for loading manned vehicles. Launches from Cape Canaveral typically head east to give satellites extra momentum from the rotation of the Earth as they head to other planets or into an equatorial orbit. Vandenberg is the primary U.S. launch site from which imaging and weather satellites are sent into polar orbits to cover the entire globe.{{cite news |last1=Dean |first1=James |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Southbound? Cape rockets may fly new path toward poles |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2017/12/31/southbound-cape-rockets-may-fly-new-path-toward-poles/975027001/ |access-date=November 13, 2018 |newspaper=Florida Today}}

Since its foundation in 2006, ULA has significantly reduced its number of launch facilities from seven to the current two. At Cape Canaveral it previously operated two pads at Space Launch Complex 17 and one pad at Space Launch Complex 37 for Delta launches.{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=William |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Delta IV finally launches with GPS IIF SV-1 following scrubs |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/05/live-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-sv-1/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NASA Spaceflight}} At Vandenburg, it previously operated one pad at Space Launch Complex 2{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/firefly-aerospace-to-take-over-vandenberg-delta-2-pad/ |title=Firefly Aerospace to take over Vandenberg Delta 2 pad |last1=Foust |first1=Jeff |date=2 May 2018 |website=SpaceNews |access-date=22 November 2020}} and another at Space Launch Complex 6 for Delta launches.{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/34147-vandenberg-air-force-base.html |title=Vandenberg: West Coast Launch Site |last1=Howell |first1=Elizabeth |date=September 21, 2016 |website=Space.com |access-date=June 5, 2018}}{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=September 23, 2002|title=Historic launch pad faces uncertain future after final West Coast Delta 4 mission – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/09/23/historic-california-launch-pad-faces-uncertain-future-after-final-west-coast-delta-4-mission/ |access-date=June 25, 2023|language=en-US}}

File:United Launch Alliance headquarters.JPG

ULA's headquarters in Centennial, Colorado is responsible for program management, rocket engineering, testing, and launch support functions.{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/04/05/daily13.html |title=United Launch Alliance to stay in Centennial area at expanded HQ campus |last1=Avery |first1=Greg |date=April 5, 2010 |newspaper=Denver Business Journal |access-date=August 9, 2018}} ULA's largest factory is {{convert|1.6|e6sqft|sqm}} and located in Decatur, Alabama.{{cite news |url=https://www.decaturdaily.com/special_reports/opportunity/ula-rocket-plant-a-boost-to-decatur-s-image/article_dd5ee60d-9dba-5da0-9c64-39e1f660985d.html |title=ULA rocket plant a boost to Decatur's image |last1=Clines |first1=Keith |date=February 26, 2017 |newspaper=The Decatur Daily |access-date=November 13, 2018}} In 2015, the company announced the opening of an engineering and propulsion test center in Pueblo, Colorado.{{cite news |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2015/07/24/pueblo-lands-united-launch-alliance-rocket-rd-operation/ |title=Pueblo lands United Launch Alliance rocket R&D operation |last1=Wallace |first1=Alicia |date=July 24, 2015 |newspaper=The Denver Post |access-date=November 13, 2018}}

Until 2024, the company previously operated a factory in Harlingen, Texas to fabricate and assemble components for the Atlas V rocket.{{cite news |last1=Kelley |first1=Rick |date=April 14, 2017 |title=ULA to cut workforce by 875 workers |url=https://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/ula-to-cut-websiteforce-by-websiteers/article_9aa86cb2-2189-11e7-b8da-1fb43cb59d46.html |access-date=November 13, 2018 |newspaper=Valley Morning Star}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

The Spaceflight Processing Operations Center (SPOC), located near Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 is used to construct the mobile launcher platform (MLP) for the Vulcan Centaur. It also serves as a storage area for the Atlas V MLP. On 6 August 2019, the first two parts of Vulcan's MLP were transported to the SPOC.{{cite tweet |user=ToryBruno |number=1158856939532505088 |date=6 August 2019 |title=Mighty Atlas is not the only thing rolling at the Cape today. Check the new Vulcan MLP arrival.}} SPOC was formerly known as the Solid Motor Assembly and Readiness Facility (SMARF) during its support of the Titan IVB launch vehicle; it was renamed during a ceremony in October 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/blog-detail/blog/2019/10/24/construction-milestone-achieved-for-vulcan%27s-launch-platform |title=Construction milestone achieved for Vulcan's launch platform |date=October 24, 2019 |website=United Launch Alliance |access-date=2020-03-28}}

{{Portal|Companies|Spaceflight|United States}}

• Aerojet Rocketdyne (RS-68 and RL10)
• Blue Origin (BE-4)
• National Security Space Launch
• Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (Graphite-Epoxy Motor)
• RUAG Space (payload fairings, composite structures)

;Other launch vehicle providers

• SpaceX
• United Space Alliance
• Deep Space Transport LLC
• Arianespace
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• Roscosmos

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

{{sister project links|auto=yes}}

• {{cite journal |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/extended-duration/distributed-launch---enabling-beyond-leo-missions-(aiaa-space-2015).pdf |title=Distributed Launch – Enabling Beyond LEO Missions |first1=Bernard |last1=Kutter |first2=Eric |last2=Monda |first3=Chauncey |last3=Wenner |first4=Noah |last4=Rhys |name-list-style=amp |date=August 2015 |journal=AIAA SPACE 2015 Conference and Exposition |doi=10.2514/6.2015-4593 |isbn=978-1-62410-334-6 |via=United Launch Alliance}}
• {{cite journal |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/supporting-technologies/launch-vehicle-recovery-and-reuse-(aiaa-space-2015).pdf |title=Launch Vehicle Recovery and Reuse |first1=Mohamed M. |last1=Ragab |first2=F. McNeil |last2=Cheatwood |first3=Stephen J. |last3=Hughes |first4=Allen |last4=Lowry |name-list-style=amp |date=August 2015 |journal=AIAA SPACE 2015 Conference and Exposition |doi=10.2514/6.2015-4490 |isbn=978-1-62410-334-6 |s2cid=111429510 |via=United Launch Alliance}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/11/free-cubesat-rideshares-offered-ula-atlas-v-launches/ |title=Free CubeSat rideshares offered by ULA for Atlas V launches |date=November 2015 |website=NASA Spaceflight}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=16790 |title=Boeing, Lockheed Martin to Form Launch Services Joint Venture |date=May 2, 2005 |website=SpaceRef |access-date=8 July 2006 |archive-date=9 December 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209234346/http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=16790 |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.space-travel.com/reports/United_Launch_Alliance_Begins_Operations_999.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927023044/http://www.space-travel.com/reports/United_Launch_Alliance_Begins_Operations_999.html |archive-date=2007-09-27 |title=United Launch Alliance begins Operations |date=December 4, 2006 |website=Space Travel}}

{{United Launch Alliance}}

{{Boeing}}

{{Lockheed Martin}}

{{Atlas rockets}}

Category:2006 establishments in Colorado

Category:Boeing

Category:Commercial launch service providers

Category:American companies established in 2006

Category:Companies based in Centennial, Colorado

Category:Joint ventures

Category:Lockheed Martin

Category:Space Act Agreement companies

Category:Space organizations

Category:Technology companies established in 2006