Highlights:

Lockheed Martin and Boeing are close to selecting a buyer for United Launch Alliance, two sources told Ars. The jointly owned rocket company, which was founded in 2006 and for a time had a monopoly on US government launch contracts, has been up for sale most of this year.

The sources say three buyers have emerged for the Colorado-based launch company. These include a private equity fund, the Jeff Bezos-owned space company Blue Origin, and a well-capitalized aerospace firm that is interested in increasing its space portfolio.

According to two sources, the sale period is nearing its conclusion, and a buyer could be announced within a couple of months. The sale would still have to be approved by the Federal Trade Commission and US Department of Justice to ensure it does not substantially reduce competition in US industry.

Also: Maiden launch of Vulcan currently scheduled for Christmas Eve, 2023.