Milestone marked in buildout of future Vulcan rocket transport [Video]

AMELIA, La. — Officials with United Launch Alliance joined with representatives from Bollinger Shipyards on Thursday to mark a step forward in the build-out of a vessel that will play an important role in the transportation of rockets built in the Tennessee Valley.

A ceremony took place in Louisiana at the laying of the keel of the future R/S SpaceShip, which will be used to move Vulcan rockets from a factory in Decatur to launch sites in Florida and California.

The 356-foot-long vessel will be the second transport ship in ULA’s upstart fleet, which already includes the R/S RocketShip.

“SpaceShip’s future voyages will transit rivers and seas, delivering powerful rockets to our launch pads and beyond, with that journey continuing literally into space,” said ULA President …