XPost: talk.politics.misc, alt.space, alt.science

https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/military/ula-100th-mission-national-security/

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (NewsNation) — Blasting off into space for
the last time in the name of national security, United Launch
Alliance’s Atlas V rocket launched its 100th and final military
mission Tuesday for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.

“Liftoff of United Launch Alliance’s 100th mission dedicated
to U.S. national security as the Atlas V rocket clears the
tower,” ULA said in a post on X.

The Atlas V has been a reliable tool for U.S. national
security, launching 58 top security missions for the Space
Force and Space Systems Command, according to ULA. The company
has conducted more than 150 launches since 2006 for both
commercial and government customers, according to its website.

. . .

It HAS been a good rocket.

As I recall, ULA had some initial screw-ups when
they used re-tooled Russian engines, but since
that time ...

The new Vulcan is designed to be more modular and
'configurable' as so to be both cheaper and more
easily customized for individual customer needs.

https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/vulcan-centaur

With up to 6 SRBs it is a fair competitor for
the Falcon-9. Both will lift almost the same
payload to geosync orbit. Musk has his somewhat
awkward "Heavy", but there have been relatively
few flights. Seems most customers can meet their
needs with an F9/Vulcan.

Maybe Musk should take the time to develop a
Falcon-X ... with maybe a 25% edge over the
Vulcan ? This might be achieved rather easily
with some mods to add a couple of SRBs.

The new - FINALLY kind-of successful - SpaceX
booster is meant to lift really big/heavy things.
If the ISS is replaced Musk's giant will likely
be what brings up the sections for a new station.
The capacity means the sections can not only be
larger but the whole starter package can be
delivered in fewer flights than the current ISS
required.

STILL waiting for that Big Wheel station promised
in 2001 :-)

And where's my damned flying car ???!!!

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