SpaceShip, the second rocket transport vessel for United Launch Alliance LLC (ULA), Centennial, Col., is nearing completion at Bollinger Shipyards' facility in Amelia, La.
The 356'x82 roll-on/roll-off vessel is designed by Bristol Harbor Group Inc., Bristol, R.I., and classed for both oceangoing and river service. Featuring a weather-protected cargo hold, the ship can transport two complete Vulcan rockets — booster stage, interstage, Centaur V, and payload fairings — in a single trip.
ULA awarded the shipbuilding contract to Bollinger Shipyards LLC, Lockport, La., in May 2024, with delivery originally expected in January 2026.
Propulsion is provided by three Schottel SRP 460 LE RudderPropellers, each rated at 2,814 hp with a propeller diameter of approximately 8.5'. The SRP units are electric L-drive variants, with compact motors integrated directly into the thruster’s azimuth module. The vessel holds 165,000 gals. of fuel and is expected to reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.
SpaceShip will join the smaller 312'x82' RocketShip, which has been in service for 25 years transporting rocket components from ULA's factory in Decatur, Ala., to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., and Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.
The trip to Cape Canaveral is approximately 1,700 miles one-way. The trip to Vandenberg via the Panama Canal is nearly 9,000 miles.
RocketShip, formerly the Delta Mariner, began transporting Delta IV cores 25 years ago, started carrying Atlas V stages in 2011, and has served all Vulcan deliveries to date. Vulcan stages are too large for air or road shipment.
ULA is increasing its launch rate to support Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite constellation and other customers, driving the need for a second transport vessel.
Both vessels feature living quarters and dining areas for crews, a helipad on the top deck, a below-deck machine shop, and navigation equipment on the bridge. The ships are the only U.S.-flagged vessels with the capability to navigate both rivers and open ocean for rocket transport, according to ULA.
