United Launch Alliance proposes to build a space interceptor based on its Vulcan Centaur rocket. It can be quickly prepared for liftoff and launched. In this way it will be possible to destroy objects dangerous for American vehicles.
Dual use of the Vulcan Centaur rocket
In an attempt to differentiate itself from rival SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA) is proposing a new military application for its Vulcan Centaur rocket: a “space interceptor” capable of deflecting potential threats to U.S. facilities in orbit.
ULA CEO Tory Bruno discussed this vision at the Spacepower Conference, positioning the Vulcan Centaur not only as a launch vehicle, but also as a potential orbital deterrent against adversaries targeting Space Force facilities.
“Our vision is the ability to have a platform that is lightning fast, long range, and, if necessary, very lethal,” Bruno said on December 12. “What I’ve been working on is essentially a rocket that operates in space.”
Modernization of the launch vehicle
The Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, which is currently awaiting certification for national security space missions, has a first stage powered by two Blue Origin BE-4 engines and a Centaur V second stage utilizing an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine. Bruno suggests that with modernization, the Centaur V could serve as a long-term vehicle for counter-space missions and a “space interceptor.” While conventional satellites move “slowly and leisurely,” Bruno said, the advanced Centaur can respond quickly to evolving threats.
Bruno argues that the U.S. government should promote the unique capabilities of launcher suppliers rather than encouraging competition based solely on price.
“There’s going to be three heavy lift providers. There’s going to be two medium-lift guys,” Bruno said, referring to the evolution of the national security space launch program.
ULA’s market position and choice of rocket suppliers
Bruno suggested that the Space Force looked beyond launch capabilities and price points when selecting suppliers. There is unhealthy competition if you have businesses that are carbon copies of one another,” he said. “If you make them exactly the same, then in the business world, we call that a race to the bottom,” he advised. “The first company that hits scale above the other companies will then take over, and a couple of years later, you got a monopoly.”
As ULA navigates this competitive environment, the company is betting on significant business from military payloads and commercial low-orbit constellations. However, the delays in the Vulcan launch have worsened ULA’s market position further, leading to speculation of a potential sale of the company by parent companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
Regardless of these challenges, Bruno said he remained optimistic. “I have faith that we’re smart in this country, and we understand the great power that we have is the partnership between private industry and government.”
Provided by spacenews.com
