CEO of United Launch Alliance resigns after 12 years

Tory Bruno has stepped down as CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA) after 12 years. The company statement noted that he left to 'pursue another opportunity.' COO John Elbon has been appointed as acting CEO.

What's Known

Bruno has led the company since 2014. During this period, ULA completed the development of the Vulcan rocket — the successor of the Atlas and Delta lines. The project had two main goals: to reduce US dependency on Russian rocket engines and to remain competitive as SpaceX's market share in launches increased. Vulcan uses components from previous ULA programs, and its engines are supplied by Blue Origin. The rocket first launched in 2024.

ULA was established in 2006 as a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin to meet the needs of NASA and the US Department of Defense. In the last decade, SpaceX began securing some of these contracts. The activities of other companies, including Blue Origin, are also increasing.

The Vulcan rocket already has orders from Amazon (for the launch of satellites for the Kuiper project) and the company Astrobotic. ULA is working on improving the rocket and exploring reuse options.

Source: Reuters