Space MIAD Practice Test

Which two companies are authorized to launch U.S. government payloads?

1. Virgin Galactic and SpaceX

2. Blue Origin and SpaceX

3. SpaceX and United Launch Alliance

4. Northrop Grumman and Blue Origin

The correct answer is: SpaceX and United Launch Alliance

The correct response identifies SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) as the two companies authorized to launch U.S. government payloads. This authorization is crucial because it ensures safety, reliability, and compliance with regulatory requirements specific to government missions, which often involve sensitive or classified materials. SpaceX has established itself as a key player in the aerospace industry, successfully launching numerous government missions, including those for NASA and the Department of Defense. Its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets have been leveraged for a variety of satellite deployments and crewed missions. Similarly, United Launch Alliance, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, has a long history of supporting government launches through their Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. ULA is known for its reliability and has completed many missions for federal agencies, earning a strong reputation in the field. The other companies listed in the choices may participate in commercial spaceflight and other missions but do not hold the same level of authorization for government payloads. For instance, while Virgin Galactic focuses on suborbital space tourism and Blue Origin has made strides in the commercial sector, neither has been granted the broad authorization needed to launch government payloads at the same capacity as SpaceX and ULA. Therefore, the key distinction lies in the