Tory Bruno resigned as CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), a SpaceX rival, after 12 years to pursue another opportunity, the company announced. ULA chairs Robert Lightfoot and Kay Sears issued a statement thanking him.
- While Vulcan is now operational, ULA struggled to meet its “two-launches-per-month” target in late 2025, ending the year with approximately nine total missions.
- SpaceX continues to dominate with high-frequency reusability, while Blue Origin’s New Glenn achieved successful inaugural flights in 2025, increasing market pressure.
- Bruno’s departure reignites speculation that Boeing and Lockheed Martin may finally sell the joint venture, with Sierra Space and Blue Origin frequently cited as potential buyers.
United Launch Alliance formed 20 years ago through the merger of the space-launch divisions of Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The joint venture initially held the position of primary launch provider for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. This role persisted until SpaceX secured contracts, altering the competitive landscape in the launch sector.
Tory Bruno assumed the role of ULA CEO 12 years ago and guided the company through multiple transformations. Central to his tenure was the development of the Vulcan rocket program, designated as ULA’s next-generation launch vehicle. The Vulcan initiative pursued two primary objectives: maintaining competitiveness against SpaceX and diminishing the U.S. government’s dependence on Russian rockets for space access.
The Vulcan rocket incorporated components from ULA’s established Atlas and Delta programs to control costs. It relied on engines supplied by Blue Origin. Development encountered numerous delays, extending the timeline significantly. The first Vulcan launch took place in 2024, marking exactly one decade since the program’s inception.
Over this period, SpaceX advanced to become the world’s leading space launch provider. The company captured a substantial share of government contracts alongside a growing portfolio of private missions. Elon Musk’s SpaceX increased its launch frequency substantially in recent years. Concurrently, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin progressed with its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket, achieving mostly successful inaugural missions.
Despite these challenges, Vulcan secured commitments from key customers. Amazon selected Vulcan for deploying its Leo-Sat constellation of internet satellites. The space startup Astrobotic also contracted for launches with the rocket. ULA outlined intentions to enhance Vulcan by introducing reusability features or developing upgraded variants capable of transporting heavier payloads to space.
In a post on X, Bruno reflected on his leadership: “It has been a great privilege to lead ULA through its transformation and to bring Vulcan into service. My work here is now complete and I will be cheering ULA on.” Lightfoot and Sears responded in their statement: “We are grateful for Tory’s service to ULA and the country, and we thank him for his leadership.”
ULA designated its chief operating officer, John Elbon, to act as interim CEO. The company initiated a search process for a permanent successor to Bruno.
