The Federal Trade Commission has approved the formation of the United Launch Alliance, the merger of launch services provided by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Approval did not come quickly, and there may still be some disgruntled entities, but last week at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in Washington, Gen. Kevin Chilton, head of Air Force Space Command, maintained that the venture would save money and improve assured access to space. (Here are the Boeing and Lockheed Martin statements on the FTC clearance.)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.