United Launch Alliance Selects RUAG Space as Strategic Partner for Dual Launch Capability Development

June 27, 2013

United Launch Alliance (ULA) today announced the selection of RUAG Space AG of Zurich, Switzerland as its strategic partner for Dual Launch Capability development.

"Our relationship with RUAG over the last 17 years has grown to be highly collaborative and synergistic," said Michael Gass, ULA president and chief executive officer.  "Forming this strategic partnership is the next evolutionary step, and creates future business possibilities for both our companies."

RUAG developed and currently produces ULA's Atlas V launch vehicle 5.4 meter payload fairings and 400-series composite interstage adapters. 

"We are pleased to be part of the very important Dual Launch Capability development program," commented Dr. Peter Guggenbach, RUAG chief executive officer.  "RUAG is a reliable and committed partner.  Our corporate board along with the Swiss Government strongly supports our long-term relationship with ULA, and we look forward to exploring the possibilities and opportunities created by our collaboration." 

Dual launch delivers two spacecraft to orbit on a single launch vehicle.  This lowers launch costs, provides operational flexibility, can accelerate satellite constellation deployment, and reduces pressure on launch manifests. 

"Both ULA and RUAG Space are making substantial investments to design, develop and qualify this extremely important capability to provide cost-effective launch services," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president of Atlas & Delta Programs.  "This demonstrates our commitment to developing affordable solutions for our customers and the space enterprise as a whole.  As our strategic partner, RUAG Space will develop significant composite structures that enable our Atlas V product line to become dual launch capable by mid-2017, and our Delta IV product line to become dual launch capable a year later." 

RUAG Space won the six month competition for Dual Launch composite structures over two other highly qualified suppliers. 

"RUAG Space provided a proposal based on an innovative composite structure technology combined with excellence in system engineering and a willingness to invest in this important system design," said Mike Jensen, vice president of ULA Supplier Management & Procurement.  "We look forward to continuing our track record of unparalleled mission success with RUAG Space as a strategic partner."

RUAG Space is Europe's leading supplier of space products to the industry.  With 1,100 people employed at seven locations in Switzerland, Sweden and Austria, the RUAG Space Division achieved total sales of 285 million Swiss Francs in 2012.

ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.