The rocket-launch alliance proposed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. could be close to receiving government approval, nearly a year and a half after it was first put forward.
Originally announced in May 2005, the United Launch Alliance would combine the government rocket-launch businesses of the two companies to cut costs. The joint venture would be based in Jefferson County and could bring about 800 jobs to the metropolitan Denver area.
The alliance will continue to produce and launch both companies’ rockets, with the Air Force as a primary customer.
Bloomberg News reported Monday that the joint venture is close to winning antitrust clearance from the Federal Trade Commission and that a decision could come as early as this week, citing people familiar with the matter.
Lockheed spokesman Tom Jurkowsky said he could not confirm the timing but said, “We look forward to receiving approval from the Federal Trade Commission.”
Boeing spokesman Dan Beck said the company is “very much committed to the ULA joint venture.” If the FTC grants antitrust clearance, he said, Boeing will continue to work with the Air Force on final details of a rocket-launch contract.
Northrop Grumman and Space Exploration Technologies have raised issues about competition in response to the proposed venture.
Jurkowsky said the United Launch Alliance “is committed to treating all satellite competitors equally.”
At least one analyst thinks there isn’t enough demand for rockets to keep two profitable suppliers in the business.
“I think it’s clear that policymakers intend to approve the ULA concept, but there seems to be an endless series of minor glitches delaying formal approval,” said Loren Thompson, chief operating officer of the Lexington Institute, a think tank in Arlington, Va.
“The delays are always a problem because of the uncertainty and what that does to the workforce, but I don’t think there’s any question that the concept will be approved in principle by the government,” Thompson said.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-954-1488 or kyamanouchi@denverpost.com.
