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United Launch Alliance • Vulcan VC2S • Space Launch Complex 41 (FL)
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Replacement Vulcan test launch with inert payload, experiments, and demonstrations for certification with the USSF after delays caused by payload testing of the Sierra Space Dreamchaser CRS SNC-1 mission, the original planned payload. One of the GEM-63XL SRBs was observed to blown out its booster nozzle at T+37 seconds, causing reduced and asymmetric thrust during ascent, however the performance shortfall was fully compensated by Vulcan's other stages.

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Replacement Vulcan test launch with inert payload, experiments, and demonstrations for certification with the USSF after delays caused by payload testing of the Sierra Space Dreamchaser CRS SNC-1 mission, the original planned payload. One of the GEM-63XL SRBs was observed to blown out its booster nozzle at T+37 seconds, causing reduced and asymmetric thrust during ascent, however the performance shortfall was fully compensated by Vulcan's other stages.
Vulcan Centaur is a two-stage-to-orbit, heavy-lift launch vehicle under development by United Launch Alliance (ULA) since 2014. It is principally designed to meet launch demands for the U.S. government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program for use by the United States Space Force and U.S. intelligence agencies for national security satellite launches. It will replace both of ULA's existing launchers (Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy) in this role, as these launchers are retiring.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
921283f45f741c987ed1e1e3830740e7f7dc836b175116c081ee4eea3b525e71Provider, rocket, pad, and booster history tied to this launch.
Linked via Spaceflight News API (SNAPI).
ArticleVulcan Centaur Certified for National Security Missions by US Space Force
ArticleThe conclusion of certification closes out a process that began in September 2016 and saw the government closely track the development of Vulcan alongside Un...
ArticleThe U.S. Space Force certified the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA’s) Vulcan rocket today, making it eligible to launch national security satellites. Two succe...
ArticleUS Space Force to United Launch Alliance: "I have been and always shall be your friend."
ArticleThe U.S. Space Force has certified United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, allowing that vehicle to conduct national security missions. The post Spa...
ArticleULA’s new Vulcan rocket continues to await DOD certification so it can launch national security satellites. A faulty part in a nozzle of one of Vulcan’s soli...
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