SPACE INDEX COMPANIES INSIGHTS SECTORS PRODUCTS NEWS BLOG ANSWERS RESEARCH ABOUT FOR COMPANIES BUILD / 2026.06.04
SpaceX logo SpaceX 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
SpaceX United Launch Alliance
Founded 2002 2006
Headquarters Hawthorne, California Centennial, Colorado
Type private joint-venture
Status operating operating
Employees 10,493 1,944
Total funding $1.3B
Latest round Secondary
Sectors Launch Services, Satellite Communications, Satellite Manufacturing Launch Services, Space Transportation & Logistics
Products listed 9 3
Federal contracts 20 ($4.90B) 12 ($6.75B)
Launches 810 (83%) 211 (82%)
Leaders listed Elon Musk, Gwynne Shotwell, Bret Johnsen John Elbon, Mark Peller, Mitch Van Dewerker
News mentions 28 1
SHARED SECTORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED

How do SpaceX and United Launch Alliance compare?

Both companies work in Launch Services. SpaceX was founded in 2002 and United Launch Alliance in 2006.

Which is larger, SpaceX or United Launch Alliance?

SpaceX reports the larger workforce, with 10,493 employees versus 1,944.

Which has more US federal contracts, SpaceX or United Launch Alliance?

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

Which has more launches, SpaceX or United Launch Alliance?

SpaceX leads with 810 tracked launches (83% success rate).

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