SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
Rocket Lab USA logo Rocket Lab USA vs United Launch Alliance Manufactures and operates the Vulcan Centaur and Atlas V launch vehicles for national security, NASA, and commercial customers United Launch Alliance logo
HEAD-TO-HEAD1 shared sector
Rocket Lab USA United Launch Alliance
Founded 2006 2006
Headquarters Long Beach, California Centennial, Colorado
Type public joint-venture
Status operating operating
Employees 1,627 1,944
Total funding
Latest round
Sectors Launch Services, Satellite Components & Subsystems, Satellite Manufacturing Launch Services, Space Transportation & Logistics
Products listed 16 3
Federal contracts 1 ($7.0M) 12 ($6.75B)
Launches 130 (65%) 211 (82%)
Leaders listed Sir Peter Beck, Adam Spice, Frank Klein John Elbon, Mark Peller, Mitch Van Dewerker
News mentions 0 1
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do Rocket Lab USA and United Launch Alliance compare?

Both companies work in Launch Services. Rocket Lab USA was founded in 2006 and United Launch Alliance in 2006.

Which is larger, Rocket Lab USA or United Launch Alliance?

United Launch Alliance reports the larger workforce, with 1,944 employees versus 1,627.

Which has more US federal contracts, Rocket Lab USA or United Launch Alliance?

United Launch Alliance has been awarded more, with $6.75B across 12 awards.

Which has more launches, Rocket Lab USA or United Launch Alliance?

United Launch Alliance leads with 211 tracked launches (82% success rate).

Numbers refresh on every render against the live Space Index database. Federal contract data from USAspending.gov; launches from LaunchLibrary2.