United Launch Alliance (ULA) is gearing up for the second test flight of its new Vulcan rocket on September 16. This upcoming mission, called Cert-2, will be crucial for the rocket’s certification for national security satellite launches. The US Space Force has high hopes for the Vulcan rocket, as it is set to handle the majority of the military’s space missions in the coming years.
The first Vulcan launch in January was a success, as it delivered a commercial lunar lander to its intended orbit. Now, the pressure is on ULA to ensure that the upcoming test flight goes smoothly. Due to delays in the readiness of the Dream Chaser spaceplane, ULA has decided to fly a dummy payload on the Cert-2 mission to meet certification requirements.
The second Vulcan rocket has been delivered to Cape Canaveral for final processing before its launch. ULA is also preparing for the final mission of its Atlas V rocket, which is scheduled for July 30. Once this mission is completed, ULA will shift its focus to ramping up production of Vulcan launch vehicles.
ULA is on track to complete the remaining Atlas V rockets by the end of the year, paving the way for more Vulcan launches. The company is looking forward to launching its 101st national security mission by the end of the year, which will involve testing next-generation satellite navigation technologies for the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Overall, ULA’s progress with the Vulcan rocket is a significant step forward for the US military’s space missions. With the successful completion of the upcoming test flight, ULA will be well-positioned to fulfill its commitments to the US Space Force and support the country’s national security objectives in space. Stay tuned for updates on the Vulcan rocket’s journey towards operational status and its role in shaping the future of military space launches.
