Rocket Lab is on a roll. This year, it supported Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander and launched two ESCAPADE vehicles, which are now on their way to Mars. As they grow, Rocket Lab continues to excel in delivering results.
On the other hand, United Launch Alliance (ULA) faced challenges. Originally, 2025 was set to be a big year with the Vulcan rocket ready for action. CEO Tory Bruno aimed for 20 missions, balancing launches between the Atlas V and the Vulcan. However, it looks like ULA might end the year with just six flights—five on Atlas V and one on Vulcan. The sole Vulcan launch happened on August 12, supporting a mission from the US Space Force. Speculations suggest delays are due to ongoing investigations into the rocket’s solid rocket boosters.
In a surprising turn, late in the year, Bruno left ULA to lead Blue Origin’s new national security division. This hiring is notable because ULA heavily relies on national defense contracts—something Bruno will now pursue for Blue Origin, a direct competitor.
As for Northrop Grumman, they were the only other US company to achieve a successful orbital launch in 2025. In April, their Minotaur IV rocket successfully placed a payload into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office.
In the space industry, these shifts are significant. According to a recent report from the Space Data Association, over 50% of satellite launches last year were conducted by private companies, highlighting the growing role of commercial players in space exploration.
Industry expert Dr. Emily Harrison, a space policy researcher, noted, “The landscape is changing rapidly. Companies like Rocket Lab and Northrop Grumman are carving their paths while established firms like ULA face disruptions.” This underscores how innovation and competition are reshaping space exploration.
With these changes, it will be interesting to see how the stakes continue to rise in this fast-evolving field.
