The United Launch Alliance (ULA), a longstanding government spacelift provider, has proposed an incremental plan to upgrade its Centaur V upper stage for long-duration space missions. This upper stage is integral to the company’s new Vulcan rocket, which is nearing certification for national security missions. The Centaur V is designed to be more than twice as powerful as its predecessor and can maintain orbit for up to 12 hours.
ULA CEO Tory Bruno shared the company’s longer-term vision for the Centaur V, aiming to enable the vehicle to stay in space for days or longer. This highly maneuverable vehicle could potentially be utilized for satellite relocation or counterspace operations. In a Medium post dated December 4, Bruno elaborated on his concept, envisioning the Centaur V as an in-space mobility platform—referred to as a “Greyhound”—that could remain on standby in orbit to protect U.S. Space Force assets from adversarial threats. He described this capability as a significant deterrent during comments at the Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Bruno emphasized that ULA’s approach to enhance the Centaur V will involve regular upgrades to the existing system, which could occur annually or more frequently, and will be tested during flights of the Vulcan rocket. He indicated that these cumulative improvements would lead to enhanced operational longevity and capability for the Centaur V.
The development of ULA’s Centaur V is influenced by several factors, notably competition from SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, which boasts the highest annual launch rates and is pursuing new concepts for reusability and cargo transport via its Starship rocket. The shifting threat environment in space, which includes the need for mobile satellites and spacecraft capable of being refueled in orbit, also shapes ULA’s strategy. The ability of these maneuverable vehicles to monitor potential adversaries and react if necessary is critical.
General Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, echoed these sentiments by highlighting the necessity for a system that can operate without being limited by fuel constraints. He asserted that a capability for maneuverability in space is essential for mission success, and that missions should not be dictated solely by the initial fuel supply.
Bruno articulated his belief that the capabilities envisioned for the Centaur V are crucial to the Space Force’s strategy in defending against threats from nations like China and Russia. While efforts to ensure resilience in satellite and ground systems are vital, he argued that mere resiliency will not sufficiently counter or limit potential attacks. He stressed that mobility should be an integral element of the defensive strategy, envisioning a fleet of “lightning fast, long range, lethal interceptors” capable of aggressive tactical responses.
Courtney Albon, a reporter for C4ISRNET, specializes in space and emerging technology coverage and has been focused on U.S. military issues, particularly those related to the Air Force and Space Force, since 2012.
