Outer space

ULA head: Anti-satellite weapons require America keep its focus in space

The development of next-generation rockets is critical to preparing for the future of our national security and deterring and defeating threats in space. Our nation is uniquely advantaged by, and dependent upon, space. We must maintain this ultimate high ground and deter others bringing warfare into this domain. If deterrence fails, we must prevail in protecting the critical capabilities our space assets provide.

When I took over as CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA) nearly five years ago, our nation was in the midst of a conversation about the future of space access. Two issues needed to be resolved: our nation’s reliance on the Russian-made RD-180 rocket engine, and the lack of a second, reliable launch provider that could meet all national security requirements.

Congress, the Air Force, and industry came together to put our nation on a path to resolve these issues and strengthen our national defense. Last October, the Air Force awarded three agreements for next generation rocket development in the most rigorous national security launch competition ever.