A version of the craft slated to debut by 2023 will offer a twist on the reusability concepts pioneered by Musk. Its upper stage, which maneuvers payloads to their final destination in space, will be able to remain in orbit for seven or eight days, far longer than the current hours-long voyages. It also would be fully reusable.
“Eventually, it will change the way we go to space entirely,” Bruno said. He envisions space travelers journeying to a way station in low orbit, where the craft will “swoop down and take you where you where you need to go.”
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are keeping tight watch on the Vulcan’s development, providing ULA funding in increments. Caceres, the Teal Group consultant, questions whether they’ll share Musk’s willingness to weather the failures that come with new concepts.
Bruno is excited by the challenge.
“This is the coolest job in the world,” he said.