The site US Space News reported this weekend that the FTC has turned down the proposed United Launch Alliance merger of the Boeing and Lockheed Martin government EELV operations. These is no confirmation of this from any other source, including the FTC or either company, so this should be treated as an unverified rumor and nothing more at this time. (The site has a mixed record with breaking news.)
In this week’s issue of The Space Review, Taylor Dinerman examines the ULA and the effect it will have on the EELV program. One problem with the drawn-out review of the merger (which was announced over 13 months ago) is that it’s stuck a lot of people in career limbo, and some have given up and left the industry rather than wait and see what happens with ULA and their jobs. Dinerman still anticipates a positive decision on the ULA, which he believes is a first step towards long-term stability for the program, although he is more optimistic about the number of EELV launches that might occur than most (for example, he identifies COTS as a potential new market for the vehicles, although it appears most of the COTS finalists plan to use their own vehicles instead.)
I really enjoyed Taylor’s article but the one area he didn’t really hit on is that this class of launcher is really competing in a global marketplace. A marketplace where the US is losing. Put in against competing against sea launch (and its new land launch spinoff), ILS (which also markets the atlas IV as well as the workhorse Proton) and Arianne, the US is really falling behind in its marketshare. Now i agree this is one messed up marketplace with all of these companies receiving some sort of government help, never the less it is this market which competes for the 20-30 commercial launches a year of which delta wins 0 and the atlas maybe 1 or 2 a year.
I really enjoyed Taylor’s article but the one area he didn’t really hit on is that this class of launcher is really competing in a global marketplace.
These launchers were never competing. ITAR is tying the hands of both LM and Boeing’s satellite and launch businesses behind their back.
If you yanks continue these self imposed trade sanctions for another decade the ‘free world’ will be done with American aerospace completely. I’d like to say good riddance, but a decade from now China and Europe could do with a developing nation offering them some cut price competition.
I enjoyed the article too, considering it’s the only mention in the news about ULA in the last six weeks.
“The ULA delay has played havoc with the lives and careers of dozens of highly-qualified technicians, engineers, etc.” Hallelujah, glad someone finally mentioned this in the media.
In my family, the delay has resulted in crushing depression. In our case, the depression stems from having no word one way or the other on the merger which has caused family planning issues to be involuntarily shanghaied; issues surrounding our real estate situation remain unresolved; and my own career choices are in limbo (or lack of choice, more like).
Anyway thanks for listening.
One thing that is not pointed out in the international competitiveness theme is that due to USG procurement rules, the Atlas folks cannot charge commercial customers less than the amount of money that they charge the USG, which is their bread and butter customer.
Dennis
I am in agreement with the Boeing Spouse’s comments. As an employee of one of the two affected companies, I can honestly say that the situation is bad. The two programs have “Frozen” the employees into a 2 year cycle that begins on Day one. But this doesn’t account for the 13 months that we have already spent since the merger was announced. In looking at the Jobs posting, my company has quite a few listings that I would like to explore but cannot since I am frozen. To me, this really stinks to high heaven.
Thanks
D/E