The story of United Launch Alliance (ULA) this year is one of ambitious plans met with technical realities. As an entrepreneur myself, running a bootstrapped business in the Netherlands and beyond, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel between ULA’s challenges and the roadblocks faced by startups. ULA planned to launch as many as ten of its new Vulcan rockets this year. But the reality? Just one flight. Here’s what we can take away, and how this could matter for your entrepreneurial journey.
An Ambitious Vision, Held Back by Execution
ULA entered 2025 with high hopes. The Vulcan rocket was to be their next big thing for government and commercial missions, including deals with Amazon's satellite initiative and the United States Space Force, which is a big win for any aerospace firm. They hoped to phase out their older rocket, the Atlas V, and step into a new era of rocket launches.
But the transition to a new product, like launching a startup, is never smooth. Due to technical malfunctions with key components such as solid rocket boosters and the lack of necessary infrastructure, the company fell significantly short of its goal. If I’ve learned anything in my years of building startups like CADChain, it’s that dreaming big is only half the equation. Without the right systems, rigorous testing, and flexibility to pivot, even the best visions can stall.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs from ULA’s Year
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Overambition without clear realities can harm growth.
As business founders, it’s natural to set lofty goals, but they have to align with what the team and resources can realistically handle. ULA’s hope of launching up to ten Vulcan rockets in a single year was bold but needed clearer contingency plans for delays. In your own business, aim for a balance between ambition and feasibility. -
Delays do more than slow timelines, they impact trust.
ULA’s main customers this year, Amazon and the US Space Force, are still waiting on several critical missions to move forward. Amazon needs Vulcan to build out its mega satellite constellation to compete with rivals like SpaceX’s Starlink. Any delay throws timelines off for their own ambitious goals, creating a ripple effect across industries. As a founder, how many times have you underestimated the impact of a shipping or product delay? It’s a reminder that every delay can mean a domino of disappointed stakeholders. -
Technical failures are learning opportunities, but they come at a high cost.
Last year, a failed test of Vulcan’s solid rocket booster highlighted manufacturing defects. While the August launch was successful, building trust back takes time. When you fail (and you will), make sure your clients and partners know that you’re taking every step to fix it. For me, transparency has always been the best tool for rebuilding relationships after misfires.
The Statistics Speak Loudly
The numbers tell the story:
- ULA managed only 1 Vulcan launch this year, compared to competitor SpaceX, which clocked over 150 Falcon 9 launches in 2025 alone.
- Amazon, ULA’s largest client, plans to launch a massive constellation of over 3,200 satellites, most of these launches will depend on ULA’s Vulcan in the coming years. Delays here could significantly impact Amazon’s ability to compete in the already overcrowded satellite market.
- ULA’s Vulcan project has 27 launches lined up just for the military, proving the critical need for them to catch up in future years.
Clearly, the market waits for no one. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that speed isn’t always everything, but reliability and consistency win in the long game.
What Startups Can Learn About Scaling From Here
When I think of ULA’s slower rollout, it reminds me of early-stage startups trying to scale before they’ve nailed the process. Here's a simple guide to scaling lessons I’ve taken to heart:
1. Test, test, and test again.
ULA learned the hard way that production errors in one component can cascade into long delays. In startups, this is the equivalent of skipping “beta testing,” rushing a product launch, or not proofing campaigns thoroughly. Always let quality lead.
2. Align infrastructure with your ambition.
ULA's backlog isn’t just a rocket problem. They had assembly bottlenecks and a critical lack of support platforms ready to go. No matter how brilliant your idea is, infrastructure can make or break your plans. For a startup, that infrastructure might mean hiring, paying for the right tools, or simply not biting off more than you can chew.
3. Focus on clarifying your communication during setbacks.
From what I’ve seen with ULA, stakeholders, especially large organizations, rely on clarity and clear updates when things go wrong. Whether you’re dealing with customers, investors, or partners, set up a communication ritual. Regular reports and updates give people confidence that you’re still invested.
Avoid These Mistakes
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Ignoring scalability in infrastructure.
Don’t wait until things start breaking down to find out you needed better systems or more resources. ULA’s slow ramp-up of rocket launch infrastructure serves as a cautionary tale. -
Overpromising and underdelivering.
Business, like space launches, thrives on trust. Deliver what’s promised, or risk frustrating your clients. Add a buffer to your timelines whenever possible. -
Neglecting to learn from mistakes.
One of the biggest entrepreneurial traps is repeating the same mistakes under the guise of “perfecting the process.” ULA has made manufacturing missteps twice, delaying their rocket rollout significantly.
The Way Forward for Entrepreneurs
Take note of this: success isn’t always about speed. For ULA, 2025 was supposed to be a record year, but reality strikes. If they can focus on methodical improvement over quick wins, they could secure their position as a major, long-term player in space exploration. Our startups should do the same, keep experimenting but avoid risking long-term reputations for short-term gains.
If you’re leading a startup, whether it’s in Europe’s tech space or elsewhere, ask yourself: how can I manage delays better? Am I building the infrastructure today for exponential growth tomorrow? And perhaps most importantly, am I able to communicate effectively when I don’t meet expectations?
Building something new, whether it’s a sophisticated rocket or a business from scratch, is hard. And for female entrepreneurs, the challenges are often compounded by bias and societal expectations. This is why being connected to networks, having access to resources like incubators, and maintaining a flexible mindset is so critical. At Fe/male Switch, we help women founders navigate these exact challenges through trial-and-error simulations, teaching lessons like the ones ULA is living today.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, a single Vulcan launch this year may not have been ULA’s original plan, but they have a great opportunity to come back strong. What matters most is the ability to take lessons from those missed goals and build better infrastructure and processes. For entrepreneurs, their experience is a valuable reminder to take nothing for granted, plan for testing and delays, and be clear with everyone depending on your mission.
Remember, whether you're a space company or a small European tech startup, business is about consistent performance, clear communication, and staying adaptable. Here’s to aiming high and learning from setbacks along the way.
FAQ
1. Why did ULA aim to launch 10 Vulcan rockets in 2025?
ULA planned to launch up to 10 Vulcan rockets in 2025, targeting significant government and commercial missions, including deals with Amazon to build its satellite constellation and military payloads for the US Space Force. The ambitious goal reflected their aim to transition from the aging Atlas V to the next-generation Vulcan rocket. Learn more about ULA's plans for Vulcan rockets in 2025.
2. How many Vulcan launches did ULA achieve in 2025?
Despite aiming for 10 Vulcan launches, ULA managed just one flight in 2025. The August 12 launch was Vulcan’s third flight overall and the first to carry out a mission for the US Space Force. Read more on ULA’s challenges and achievements.
3. What caused the delays in Vulcan’s launch schedule?
ULA faced technical delays due to a solid rocket booster malfunction during a test in October 2024. Production bottlenecks and incomplete infrastructure, like missing rocket assembly facilities and launch platforms, also contributed to the delays.
4. Who are ULA’s main customers, and how were they affected?
ULA’s primary clients include Amazon and the US Space Force. Amazon requires Vulcan to deploy satellites for its broadband Project Kuiper, while the Space Force relies on Vulcan for key military satellite launches. Delays affect their projects' timelines. Learn more about ULA’s partnership with Amazon and the US Space Force.
5. What impact did the solid rocket booster failure have on ULA’s timeline?
The booster failure during an October 2024 test exposed manufacturing defects, delaying the Vulcan launch schedule. Although the August 2025 mission succeeded, ULA remains cautious, inspecting booster components to ensure reliability. Explore the solid rocket booster issue.
6. How has ULA’s performance been compared to its main competitor, SpaceX?
In 2025, ULA conducted six launches (five with Atlas V and one with Vulcan), whereas SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rockets over 150 times in the same year. This stark comparison highlights ULA’s slower ramp-up in operations. Explore the SpaceX vs. ULA rivalry.
7. What is the importance of Vulcan for US national security?
Vulcan is certified under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, making it one of two carriers eligible to launch critical US military and intelligence satellites. Its delays have impacted the military’s ability to deploy key assets. Learn about ULA’s role in national security launches.
8. What measures is ULA taking to address its launch delays?
ULA is improving assembly facilities and developing an additional mobile launch platform to expedite future launches. They will need to achieve two launches per month to address their backlog.
9. How has ULA’s slow rollout affected the satellite industry?
Delays in Vulcan launches have impacted Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in the broadband satellite market. Military satellites have also faced delays, stalling critical defense initiatives.
10. What can entrepreneurs learn from ULA’s 2025 challenges?
ULA’s year showcases the risks of overambitious goals without robust infrastructure and contingency plans. Entrepreneurs should focus on rigorous testing, alignment of resources, and transparent communication to manage expectations and restore stakeholder trust after setbacks. Read what entrepreneurs can learn from ULA’s challenges.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
