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Tory Bruno Resigns as ULA CEO, Marking a New Era in Space Exploration

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 23, 2025

Leadership Transition and Industry Shifts

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has announced the resignation of Tory Bruno, its CEO of 12 years, as he steps aside to pursue new opportunities. ULA chairs Robert Lightfoot and Kay Sears expressed gratitude for Bruno’s service, noting his dedication to both ULA and the nation. His exit comes during a pivotal moment for the commercial space industry, as private companies continue to reshape the launch market.

Vulcan Project and Strategic Innovation

Under Bruno’s tenure, one of ULA’s most ambitious endeavors—the development of the next-generation Vulcan rocket—took shape. Designed to keep pace with modern competitors such as SpaceX and reduce reliance on Russian technology, the Vulcan project combined tried-and-true components from legacy Atlas and Delta programs with innovative engine solutions from Blue Origin. Despite experiencing significant delays, the Vulcan finally debuted in 2024, reinforcing ULA’s commitment to evolving its technology and cost structures.

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Competitive Market Dynamics

The resignation coincides with a period of intense competition in space launch services. As SpaceX dominates with an unprecedented launch cadence and secures critical government and private contracts, rival Blue Origin has emerged as a formidable competitor following the inaugural missions of its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket. These market forces have propelled ULA, a 20-year-old entity originally formed through a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, into a rapidly changing landscape where innovation and agility are paramount.

Looking Forward: Interim Leadership and Future Prospects

With Tory Bruno’s departure, ULA has appointed Chief Operating Officer John Elbon as interim CEO while the search for a permanent leader continues. The company, which has already secured key customers including Amazon for its LEO internet satellite launches and space startup Astrobotic, is actively exploring measures to enhance the reusability of its rockets and expand payload capabilities. As the commercial space market accelerates, ULA’s strategic recalibrations will be under close scrutiny by industry stakeholders and government entities alike.

In his parting remarks on social media, Bruno stated, “It has been a great privilege to lead ULA through its transformation and to bring Vulcan into service. My work here is now complete and I will be cheering ULA on.” His legacy, marked by resilience and forward-thinking leadership, sets the stage for ULA’s next chapter in a fiercely competitive arena.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Sila Wins $1.4 Billion Pentagon Loan To Scale U.S. Battery Production

by News Editor

August 10, 2026

Sila has secured a $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Defense to expand production of its silicon-carbon battery material as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese battery supply chains.

Silicon Anodes Offer Higher Energy Density

The funding comes as U.S. automakers and defense companies face challenges securing battery materials from non-Chinese suppliers. Graphite, which is used in most lithium-ion battery anodes, has a supply chain heavily dominated by Chinese producers.

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Sila is among several companies developing silicon-based alternatives to graphite. Other players include Group14 and Amprius.

Silicon anodes can store around 20% to 40% more energy than graphite, potentially enabling longer-lasting batteries or smaller and lighter cells. Those characteristics are particularly attractive for electric vehicles, drones and other mobility and defense applications.

Sila produces its silicon-carbon material at a factory in Moses Lake, Washington, giving it a domestic source that is less exposed to tariffs and geopolitical risks.

The facility began operating in September and currently has annual capacity of about 2 gigawatt-hours of anode material. Sila plans to expand the factory fivefold, which would provide enough material for more than 100,000 EVs.

Pentagon Funding Supports Expansion

In July, Sila raised $300 million to help finance the expansion, bringing its total funding from private investors to more than $1.5 billion, according to PitchBook.

The company already has agreements with Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic. The new Pentagon financing could also help Sila pursue contracts with defense companies as demand for advanced batteries grows.

The Department of Defense announced funding for three other critical-materials companies alongside the Sila loan.

Sunrise Energy Metals will receive a $400 million loan to develop scandium resources, while Niron Magnetics secured $150 million to manufacture rare-earth-free magnets. Strategic Bauxite will receive an $85 million government equity investment to support mining of aluminum-bearing minerals.