ULA Selects Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 for Vulcan Upper Stage, but Still no Word on Main Stage Engine

- by Richard Pettibone
United Launch Alliance has selected Aerojet Rocketdye’s RL10
rocket motor to power the Centaur upper stage on the developmental Vulcan
launch vehicle. ULA made the selection after a competitive procurement process.

This partnership is a long-term agreement for Aerojet
Rocketdyne to provide upper stage propulsion for the next decade. As part of
this partnership, Aerojet Rocketdyne will provide RL10s and develop the
RL10C-X, the next generation of the RL10 family. The RL10C-X will increase the
use of additive manufacturing and introduce other advanced technologies to
improve the quality, reliability, affordability and performance.

The advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to quickly
produce customized items. This factor makes it ideal for the space industry,
where many items are produced on a limited basis. Aerojet Rocketdyne has been a
leader in developing 3D printing technologies. In particular, the company has
been working to add 3D printed materials to its RS-25 engine that will be used
on the Space Launch System (SLS). Aerojet will now apply the same techniques to
the RL10.
While selecting an upper stage motor is important, the real
milestone that the industry is waiting for is selection of a core stage engine.
ULA is deciding between Aerojet’s AR1 and Blue Origin’s BE-4. The BE-4 is the
favored solution, but ULA continues to take its time in making a final decision. Without a core engine selected, major progress on Vulcan
development will continue to be slower than planned.
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A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.

For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.

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About Richard Pettibone

A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems. For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.

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