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NASA Selects ULA’s Centaur V for SLS Upper Stage

March 9, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

NASA selects ULA's Centaur V as SLS upper stage.
Centaur V to debut on Artemis 4 mission in 2028.
Upper stage developed for ULA's Vulcan rocket.
Centaur 5 performed well in four Vulcan flights.

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Strategic Implications

This selection may indicate NASA's confidence in ULA's technology and the Centaur V's performance. The choice could suggest a long-term partnership between NASA and ULA, which may benefit the development of future space exploration missions and indicates a significant step in the evolution of the SLS rocket.

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What Happened

Future Of Space Exploration Takes Shape With New Upper Stage

NASA has officially selected United Launch Alliance’s Centaur 5 as the upper stage for its Space Launch System rocket, starting with the Artemis 4 mission scheduled to launch no earlier than early 2028. The Centaur 5 was developed as the upper stage of ULA’s Vulcan rocket and has performed well in four flights since its debut in January 2024. This development marks a significant step in the future of space exploration and the evolution of the SLS rocket. The selection was first reported by Spaceflight Now.

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