TL;DR
Blue Origin has hired Tory Bruno, the departing long-time leader of United Launch Alliance, as president of a newly created National Security group reporting to CEO Dave Limp. The move arrives as Blue Origin advances New Glenn flights and pursues Space Force national security launch work under Phase 3 Lane 2.
What happened
Blue Origin announced that Tory Bruno, who stepped down as president and CEO of United Launch Alliance four days earlier, will join the company as president, National Security, reporting to CEO Dave Limp. Bruno spent decades at Lockheed Martin before more than a decade leading ULA, where he oversaw the company’s transition from Atlas and Delta vehicles to the Vulcan rocket, which uses Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines. Vulcan flew in January 2024, completed two certification flights and later gained U.S. Space Force approval to carry national security payloads; ULA’s USSF-106 national security launch occurred Aug. 12, 2025. Blue Origin’s New Glenn heavy-lift launcher achieved two successful orbital flights in 2025 and recovered a booster on its ship Jacklyn. The Space Force recognized Blue Origin in April 2025 for National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 with seven missions planned for the company, though no specific missions have been assigned yet. Bruno said via social media that he views Blue Origin as the right place to pursue new national security capabilities.
Why it matters
- Bruno brings deep launch-industry and defense program experience from ULA and Lockheed Martin that could shape Blue Origin’s government strategy.
- His prior role in moving ULA to the Vulcan vehicle gives him direct experience with Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines and multi-company supply chains.
- Blue Origin is an authorized national security launch provider under Phase 3 Lane 2, and new leadership focused on national security could affect competition for sensitive government payloads.
- New Glenn’s recent flights and booster recovery mark technical progress that a veteran operator like Bruno could help convert into certified, government-ready services.
Key facts
- Announcement published Dec. 26, 2025; Bruno left ULA four days before joining Blue Origin.
- Bruno will serve as president, National Security, reporting to Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp.
- Bruno led ULA for more than a decade and previously held roles at Lockheed Martin on systems including ICBM reentry systems, the Trident 2 D5 FBM and THAAD.
- ULA transitioned from Atlas and Delta rockets to the Vulcan vehicle during Bruno’s tenure; Vulcan uses Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines.
- Vulcan’s first flight occurred in January 2024; it completed two certification flights and the U.S. Space Force approved it for national security payloads; USSF-106 launched Aug. 12, 2025.
- Blue Origin’s New Glenn completed two orbital missions in 2025 and recovered one booster on its recovery vessel Jacklyn.
- The Space Force named Blue Origin, ULA and SpaceX as authorized Phase 3 Lane 2 providers in April 2025; seven missions are planned for Blue Origin but none have been specifically awarded yet.
- Blue Origin’s certification approach requires four successful New Glenn flights followed by a government data review.
What to watch next
- Specific national security initiatives and procurement strategies Bruno will pursue at Blue Origin — not confirmed in the source.
- Assignment of particular Phase 3 Lane 2 missions to Blue Origin; the company is eligible for seven missions but no awards have been announced yet.
- Progress of New Glenn toward the four successful flights required under Blue Origin’s certification path and the subsequent government data review.
Quick glossary
- New Glenn: Blue Origin’s heavy-lift orbital rocket designed for reusable first-stage recovery and large payload capability to multiple orbits.
- Vulcan: United Launch Alliance’s next-generation launch vehicle developed to replace Atlas and Delta family rockets; first stage uses BE-4 engines.
- BE-4 engine: A methane-fueled rocket engine developed by Blue Origin, used on ULA’s Vulcan first stage.
- National Security Space Launch Phase 3 (Lane 2): A U.S. Space Force procurement lane that certifies private launch providers to carry the most sensitive national security payloads.
- Certification: A government review and approval process that validates a launch vehicle and provider meet requirements to carry national security payloads.
Reader FAQ
What position will Tory Bruno hold at Blue Origin?
He will be president, National Security, reporting to CEO Dave Limp.
Why is Bruno’s background relevant to Blue Origin?
He led ULA through the shift to the Vulcan rocket and previously worked at Lockheed Martin on several defense systems, providing experience with government launches and weapons programs.
Has Blue Origin been approved to launch national security payloads?
Blue Origin was recognized by the Space Force under National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 in April 2025, with seven missions planned for the company but no specific missions assigned yet.
Will Bruno’s specific plans at Blue Origin be announced immediately?
Not confirmed in the source.
Former ULA president and CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin December 26, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno participated in a fireside chat with Michael Dickey, director…
Sources
- Former ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno Joins Blue Origin
- Tory Bruno resigns from ULA, joins Blue Origin team
- Tory Bruno to lead new Blue Origin national security unit
- Blue Origin names Tory Bruno to new national security group
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