ULA is at least one of the industry innovation sources: industry structure change. It’s not a new problem, but ULA still fell for it, unable to launch its new rocket while its launch cadence declines.
Yes, it’s another analysis of space activities from China. But it’s not my fault! The story inspiring my analysis came out a few days ago. It is about spacecraft and not launch, though.
More types of rockets don’t mean better launch capability. But their existence also doesn’t mean the use of inferior technology. Sometimes more just means more.
As a reporter noted in their story over a year ago–Kuiper contracted with nearly every launch company but SpaceX. Result: it might soon have satellites with no way to launch them on time.
The United States Space Force seeks to increase competition in its revised National Security Space Launch efforts. It should consider a different way to buy launches.
