The state of Alabama and one of its manufacturers proved again how vital their work is to the country’s national security when United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully powered a new intelligence satellite into space.
ULA’s Alabama-made Delta IV Heavy rocket launched the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite into space on Saturday from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The Delta IV Heavy is built at the company’s manufacturing plant in Decatur, with the plant being the largest such facility in the western hemisphere.
“The Delta IV Heavy’s unique capabilities, as the only rocket with the ability to complete many [NRO] missions, have given our military the tools to keep America secure,” said ULA CEO Tory Bruno in a statement from the company.
The NRO is a joint Department of Defense-Intelligence Community organization and is tasked with operating the nation’s intelligence satellites used for national security.
ULA has a long history of providing the American intelligence community with launch capabilities.
“For generations ULA and our heritage rockets have launched national security payloads – providing critical communications capabilities to the intelligence community. Today’s launch marks ULA’s 51st successful launch supporting the defense community,” said Bruno.
Saturday’s launch was the eleventh time a Delta IV Heavy has been put to use and the 132nd mission overall for ULA.
ULA’s work has drawn the attention of some of the state’s most prominent elected officials lately.
Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) paid a visit to ULA’s plant this past week to view the progress of the Vulcan Centaur program.
Enjoyed stopping in #MorganCounty to visit @ULAlaunch in #Decatur. Had the opportunity to witness the incredible progress being made on the #VulcanCentaur. Proud to support this next generation rocket & meet with the team making the world’s best launch vehicles. #MadeInAlabama pic.twitter.com/TmiAVO5W6m
— Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 14, 2019
The Vulcan Centaur is ULA’s newest program and is being manufactured and assembled in Alabama.
Bruno was quick to point out Saturday that the Vulcan Centaur will only enhance the ability of the nation’s military to gather global intelligence.
“ULA looks forward to strengthening our partnership with the Air Force as we develop our next generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, which will meet all DoD’s national security needs, delivering even greater capabilities than are available today to meet our Nation’s future challenges,” said Bruno.
State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) noted that he had met with Bruno to discuss the company’s activity in the state.
Yes. Very good visit and dialogue about the future of @ulalaunch in north Alabama. https://t.co/rGcrJShd8I
— Senator Arthur Orr (@SenatorAOrr) January 17, 2019
ULA is a large employer within Orr’s state senate district.
Tim Howe is an owner and editor of Yellowhammer News.
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