Atlas 5
Atlas launches Solar Orbiter mission
An Atlas 5 successfully launched a European-led solar science mission Feb. 9, the latest effort in what scientists are calling a “golden age” for studying the sun.
Starliner test flight slips two days
Boeing announced Dec. 3 that it’s delaying the uncrewed test flight of the company’s CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle by two days because of a minor launch vehicle issue.
ULA gets vague on Vulcan upgrade timeline
As United Launch Alliance prepares for the maiden flight of its Vulcan Centaur rocket, the company no longer has a clear timeline for a major second-stage upgrade.
Air Force awards $98.5 million ‘completion contract’ to ULA for launch services for three Atlas 5 missions
The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center announced Oct. 1 it has awarded a $98.5 million contract to United Launch Alliance to complete three Atlas 5 missions scheduled to launch in 2020.
Discarded Atlas 5 upper stage breaks up in orbit • Viasat, China Satcom partner on IFC • Hughes signs Jupiter-3 customer
The reason for the Atlas 5 upper stage break up, believed to have occurred between March 23 and March 25, is not yet known.
Viasat books ULA Atlas 5 for a ViaSat-3 satellite launch
United Launch Alliance beat out SpaceX and Arianespace to win a launch contract for an upcoming Viasat satellite.
Efforts underway to ease Florida’s Space Coast launch congestion
The recent launch boom on Florida’s Space Coast is creating some headaches for the companies involved, as well as for NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
ULA to focus more attention on commercial launch market
United Launch Alliance plans to increase its activities in the commercial launch market using both the current Atlas and future Vulcan rockets, while acknowledging that the U.S. government will remain its major customer for the foreseeable future.
Falcon 9 launch to wait until after Atlas 5 mission
The U.S. Air Force has decided not go ahead with a proposal to support two launches from the Eastern Range in less than 24 hours this week, but officials say being able to do so remains a goal as part of efforts to support increased launch activity.
