What does United Launch Alliance do?

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a leading American aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider, formed in December 2006 as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, ULA operates major facilities in Decatur, Alabama, Littleton, Colorado, and Harlingen, Texas, employing around 2,700 people. The company is known for its 100% mission success rate over more than two decades, providing assured access to space for the U.S. government, NASA, and commercial clients. ULA specializes in expendable launch systems, offering a range of services including design and engineering, manufacturing, mission integration, and launch operations. Its notable launch vehicles include the Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, and the next-generation Vulcan Centaur, which is set to enhance performance and reliability for future missions. ULA plays a critical role in national security and scientific exploration, having launched numerous satellites and missions for the Department of Defense and NASA, as well as commercial satellite operators.