Tag: ULA

  • Atlas V launches military’s X-37B space plane

    Following a smooth countdown today United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V launched the military’s X-37B space plane.  The rocket lifted off from SLC-41 and carried the space plane to orbit before deploying it, the rocket also carried a secondary payload of Cubesat’s including The Planetary Societies LightSail test.  The Planetary Society is currently raising money…

  • Will ULA’s Vulcan bring down SpaceX

    Almost as soon as United Launch Alliance’s Tory Bruno announced the new Vulcan rocket system did articles start to appear stating that it “would bring down SpaceX”.   One from CNN also incorrectly stated that SpaceX aborted the landing of the first stage yesterday. While that may be the goal of ULA it is way too…

  • ULA announces new Launch System

    Today United Launch Alliance announced there next generation launch system named Vulcan.  ULA’s Tory Bruno announced that the new launch system will be rolled out in multiple steps.  The first step will be the replacement first stage, followed later by a new upper stage. The first stage of the rocket will be powered by two…

  • Delta 4 launches latest GPS satellite

    In the first of six launches scheduled over the next four days a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta 4 lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying the latest Global Positioning Satellite (GPS). The satellite is the ninth Block 2F to be launched and was successfully placed into orbit following the on-time launch. Below are some screen…

  • ULA Delta 2 launches SMAP

    Following a 48 hour delay due to higher than allowed upper level winds and an issue with debonding of insulation on the first stage the United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg today carrying NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite. SMAP will provide a capability for global mapping of soil moisture and…

  • ULA launches MUOS 3 Satellite

    United Launch Alliance started it’s 2015 launch schedule with a beautiful launch from Space Launch Complex (SLC) 41 last night.  The most powerful version of there Atlas V family this rocket had a single core and five solid boasters.  The launch was delayed several times due to weather violations but was able to launch within…

  • NASA’s Orion has begun it’s EFT-1 mission

    Following a smooth countdown the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavies three main engine’s came to life today to lift the Orion capsule to orbit.  18 minutes later the upper stage completed its first firing and left the Orion capsule in the desired orbit. Over the next two orbits Orion will follow the flight profile…

  • T-2 days and counting to NASA’s Orion EFT-1

    The first orbital flight of the Orion spacecraft will allow NASA and it’s contractor Lockheed Martin to verify the design of the vehicle in space itself, for this flight there will be no crew members however there will be a vast amount of instrumentation and sensors on board to provide as much data as possible…

  • Atlas V launches successfully with GPS IIF-8 satellite

    This afternoon ULA successfully launches another GPS IIF satellite aboard it’s workhorse Atlas V vehicle. This was the third launch attempt around the world within a 24 hour period following the Orbital Antares accident yesterday and the successful Soyuz launch early this morning EDT. This was the 8th GPS IIF satellite to be launched by…

  • Exciting times in Space

    A lot has happened in Space or related to Space recently and the future is looking very bright. Below is a summary of some of the recent news and upcoming events. SpaceX and Boeing awarded CCtCap contracts – We now have two companies contracted to build manned spacecraft to deliver crew to the ISS.  Currently…