Subscribe

Subscribe to MEM Magazine

MEM In-Motion

Concerns for Spy Satellite Market and National Security

Concerns for Spy Satellite Market and National Security

The long-term future plans for the United Launch Alliance (ULA) have been brought up in Hyten’s (General John Hyten) latest concerns, the ULA has been responsible for the US’s spy satellite launches since starting in 2006. This recent fear has been as a result of changes in national security. General John Hyten voiced concerns recently, stating their maybe a ‘bubble’ in the sector in response to the recent spur of new operators in the commercial space launches.The SpaceX Falcon 9 finally lifted off from its launch pad and returning safely to its landing zone, Cape Canaveral.

ULA is expected to lose a considerable about of national security business in the coming years as they lost business to the Elon Musk, SpaceX program, due to the operating costs as Elon Musk being much lower. The SpaceX program won approval last May to launch spy satellites. The ULA hopes to outlast its competition in the market.

Hyten, was conducting a speech at the Annual Space Symposium. The space launch market was a subject that dominated the symposium that was held in Colorado Springs. Start Up companies that are in the running for the market as funded and founded by companies like Amazon. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos are also entering the market attempted to make efforts to introduce new, affordable and potentially reusable launch vehicles.

ULA’s prospects for delivering the Vulcan Rocket System on time was also a heavily debated subject, the project is meant to be halting the need for the ULA to rely on Russian rocket engines, however discussion has surrounded whether the ULA can deliver on their promises.

There had been a rush of enthusiasm for new commercial launch services two decades ago. Two of the biggest satellite operators, Globalstar and Iridium went into bankruptcy and Teledesic the third suspended its service.

Share this post

Featured MEM In-Motion

Subscribe to MEM Newsletters!