
United Launch Alliance (ULA) says it's signed commercial contracts with multiple United States-based companies to investigate next-generation liquid oxygen (LOX)/hydrocarbon first stage propulsion concepts. In collaboration with ULA, each company will conduct technical feasibility analysis, develop high fidelity plans, identify schedule, cost and technical risks as well as cost estimates to meet aggressive recurring cost targets. All concepts will support a first launch by 2019, the joint venture said late Monday. ULA will continue to work with U.S.-based RD AMROSS,…