United Launch Alliance to Build Centaur V Stage in Decatur
The upgraded stage will feature 50 percent more propellant to support the 2028 Artemis lunar mission.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Space
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United Launch Alliance will manufacture the upgraded 180K Centaur V upper stage in Decatur for upcoming Artemis lunar missions. This development is currently in the engineering and qualification phase, aiming to support a scheduled launch in 2028.
Why it matters
This upgraded stage is essential for future lunar exploration, as its increased propellant capacity is required to achieve the higher performance levels necessary for successful trans-lunar injection.
The 180K Centaur V stage incorporates a structural shift from stainless steel to alloy 718 tanks, increasing propellant capacity by 50 percent. The system also requires upgraded avionics and software to achieve human-rating status for lunar missions.
The players
United Launch Alliance
A joint venture aerospace manufacturer providing heavy-lift launch services for U.S. government missions using the Atlas and Vulcan rocket families.
NASA
The United States government agency responsible for the civil space program and the development of the Artemis lunar exploration architecture.
The details
The factory in Decatur will adapt its 2.4-million square foot facility to produce the new stage by transitioning tank construction to alloy 718—a high-strength nickel-chromium superalloy that resists thermal stress. Engineers are also updating the avionics and flight control software to meet human-rating requirements, which are strict safety standards for spacecraft designed to carry crew. Once assembled, the units will travel by ship down the Tennessee River to reach the integration facilities at Cape Canaveral.
Timeline
The new Centaur upper stage is scheduled to support an Artemis launch in 2028.
The Tech Race
This project provides the critical propulsion infrastructure required to meet the performance targets of the NASA Artemis program. It marks a departure from the legacy Centaur designs used in over 280 missions toward a modernized architecture built for human-rated lunar transit.
This development primarily affects the supply chain and engineering workforce in Decatur as they gear up for the 2028 mission requirements. The transition from stainless steel to alloy 718 tanks and updated flight systems will set the new standard for ULA's lunar-capable launch hardware.
The takeaway
The successful qualification of the 180K Centaur V is a key hurdle for the 2028 mission window. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming progress reports regarding the transition of the Decatur facility's production lines to the new alloy 718 tank specifications.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in off-world transport, visit Space.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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