Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) Tuesday applauded another successful rocket launch for United Launch Alliance (ULA) after the Alabama manufacturer helped launch a new intelligence satellite into space over the weekend.
As reported by Yellowhammer News, ULA’s Delta IV Heavy rocket launched the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite on Saturday from Vandenberg Air Force Base. This rocket is built at the company’s manufacturing plant in Decatur, which is the largest such facility in the western hemisphere.
Shelby, who has been a staunch advocate for Alabama’s skyrocketing aerospace industry, tweeted his praise for the most recent launch’s success.
“Another win for [ULA]! This weekend, #ULA’s Delta IV Heavy rocket successfully launched into space, delivering a critical asset to support our national security. This marks the company’s 132nd successful launch,” the senator said.
This came days ahead of Blue Origin’s scheduled groundbreaking on its new Alabama rocket engine plant.
The company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is set to begin construction on its new facility Friday in Huntsville. The plant will make Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine, which will power the next generation of Vulcan Centaur rockets produced by ULA in Decatur.
The engine will be powered by liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas as American companies move away from using Russian-made rocket engines.
In late September, ULA announced its selection of the BE-4 for future use. The engine will also power Blue Origin’s next-generation New Glenn rocket, which is under development.
The Blue Origin plant is expected to employ up to 350 workers in Alabama with an average salary of $75,000 a year when construction is completed.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
