ULA Vulcan Rocket's Second Launch Faces Side Booster Issue... National Security Mission Qualification Uncertain

 

 

 

 

The American launch vehicle company United Launch Alliance (ULA) attempted the second launch of its next-generation rocket, Vulcan Centaur, on October 4th. However, an issue occurred with one of the side boosters during the liftoff process.

This launch was a crucial test for Vulcan to qualify for transporting U.S. national security payloads.

The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 41 in Florida, and the rocket successfully lifted off.

However, about 30 seconds after liftoff, part of one of the side boosters was seen falling off, followed by a small explosion.

Despite this incident, the rocket continued its ascent and successfully completed the fairing separation and payload deployment.

ULA CEO Tory Bruno explained that the issue was not a defect in the side booster itself but rather a "nozzle anomaly."

Bruno emphasized that "the nozzle of the side booster detached during liftoff, and there was no explosion," trying to downplay the situation.

However, due to this incident, it remains unclear whether the Vulcan rocket will obtain the qualification for national security missions. The U.S. Space Force has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

In this launch, the Vulcan rocket carried a dummy payload instead of a real satellite.

Originally, Sierra Space's small spaceplane, Dream Chaser, was scheduled to be aboard, but due to delays in its development, only the dummy payload was launched.

This launch was a key test for Vulcan Centaur to qualify for national security missions, but the side booster issue may cause delays in future plans.

ULA stated that they would thoroughly analyze the results of this launch to resolve any issues and continue preparing Vulcan Centaur for certification to carry out national security missions.

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ULA Vulcan Rocket's Second Launch Faces Side Booster Issue... National Security Mission Qualification Uncertain