Aerojet Rocketdyne to Provide ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Key Propulsion for Next Generation of Air Force Launch Services

Rhea-AI Summary

Aerojet Rocketdyne has been selected to supply RL10 rocket engines and thrusters for ULA's Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, a key choice under the U.S. Air Force's National Security Space Launch LSP Phase 2 contract. This contract enables ULA to conduct approximately 60% of missions over the next five years, starting in 2022. The RL10 engine, known for its reliability, has been instrumental in launching military, civil, and commercial satellites, with plans for further enhancements to reduce costs through additive manufacturing.

Positive

• Secured contract with ULA for RL10 engines, enhancing market position.
• RL10 engine has a proven reliability history and extensive flight record.
• Expected to support 60% of ULA's missions over the next five years.

Negative

• None.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Air Force selected United Launch Alliance (ULA) as one of two launch service providers under the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 Launch Services Procurement (LSP). Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide two RL10 rocket engines to power the upper stage of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, as well as the thrusters that control the stage while in flight and the composite overwrapped pressure vessels that store gases required for operation of the launch vehicle.

“Aerojet Rocketdyne congratulates ULA on its selection and we look forward to providing our highly reliable RL10 engine on the Vulcan,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “Aerojet Rocketdyne has supported the nation’s most important national security space missions for decades. We will now bring the RL10 engine’s tremendous record of mission success to support the next generation of American National Security Space Launch missions.

Under the LSP contract, ULA will support approximately 60% of missions starting in 2022 and continuing through the next five years.

The RL10 engine’s outstanding performance and reliability has made it the upper-stage engine of choice for the nation. Built in West Palm Beach, Florida, the RL10 engine is currently used to power the upper stages of ULA’s Delta IV and Atlas V rockets, and has supported earlier versions of those vehicles dating back to the early 1960s.

The flight-proven RL10 engine provided the upper-stage propulsion to place hundreds of military, civil and commercial satellites into orbit and has sent spacecraft on their journeys to explore every planet in our solar system. The RL10 engine has been continuously upgraded throughout its service life with recent efforts focused on incorporating additive manufacturing to enhance affordability while maintaining its unequaled performance.

“With 500 engines flown in space, the RL10 has an unmatched reputation worldwide,” added Drake. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with ULA as we provide an advanced RL10 engine for Vulcan.”

The Vulcan’s Centaur upper stage will also include 12 Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-107 thrusters, built in Redmond, Washington, that are used to control vehicle orientation and trajectory during the latter stages of the launch sequence. ARDÉ, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, will also build the composite overwrapped pressure vessels that support operation of the launch vehicle.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Media Contacts:
Mary Engola, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-289-1371
Mary.Engola@rocket.com
Todd McConnell, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 561-882-5395
Todd.McConnell@rocket.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Aerojet Rocketdyne's contract with ULA?

Aerojet Rocketdyne's contract with ULA is significant as it will supply engines for the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, supporting critical national security missions.

What engines is Aerojet Rocketdyne providing for ULA's Vulcan?

Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide RL10 rocket engines and MR-107 thrusters for the upper stage of the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.

How many missions will ULA conduct with Aerojet Rocketdyne's engines?

ULA is expected to conduct approximately 60% of missions under the National Security Space Launch contract, utilizing Aerojet Rocketdyne's engines.

When will ULA start using Aerojet Rocketdyne's engines for missions?

ULA is set to start using Aerojet Rocketdyne's engines in 2022 under the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 contract.