Tech Report: Orbital launch systems Published Jan. 6, 2016 By Air Force TV FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- The Atlas V, Delta IV and Falcon 9 are three rockets used by the Air Force to launch national security payloads into space. For many years, the United Launch Alliance has been the exclusive manufacturer of rockets used by the Air Force for national security; however, in 2015 the Air Force certified private company Space X to launch military payloads. The Air Force Tech Report is a video series that gives viewers a quick look at current technology the Air Force uses to fly, fight and win.