Boeing's collaboration with Lockheed Martin through United Launch Alliance (ULA) reached a significant milestone in March 2025, when the U.S. Space Force certified the Vulcan Centaur rocket for launching national security satellites. This certification is a key achievement for ULA as it enhances its profile in the competitive aerospace market dominated by rivals like SpaceX. The certification followed the successful second mission of the Vulcan Centaur in October 2024, an essential step in fulfilling the requirements needed for Pentagon missions, as reported by Reuters.
ULA is ramping up its operations with plans to carry out 12 launches in 2025. Moreover, the company aims to double this number in 2026. This aggressive launch schedule is part of a strategy to bolster its presence in the rapidly expanding market for satellite launches, particularly in competition with SpaceX's Falcon 9. ULA's efforts to capture a larger share of the commercial satellite market reflect its ambition to become a key player in the low Earth orbit sector.
In a strategic move, Boeing and Lockheed Martin entered discussions in August 2024 to potentially sell ULA to Sierra Space, with a valuation between $2 to $3 billion. This potential sale indicates a shift in Boeing's approach to its space operations, opening new avenues for expansion and partnerships. By positioning Vulcan Centaur to meet both national security and commercial needs, Boeing and ULA continue to adapt in the evolving space industry landscape.