May 25 Could Mark the First Test-Firing of Engines on Launch Pad for the New Vulcan Centaur Rocket

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Certification-1 (Cert-1) rocket is a major achievement for aerospace technology and the next big step in space exploration and human achievement. ULA, the joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, is the only launch provider certified to fly payloads on behalf of the United States Space Force, and the cert-1 rocket is its answer to affordable access to space. Sitting atop Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the Vulan Centaur is ready for its inaugural flight and a future of unprecedented possibilities.

The Vulcan Centaur is the successor of the Delta IV Heavy and Atlas V rockets, by improving their capabilities with state-of-the-art advancements in propulsion and reliability. At 202 feet (62 meters) tall and capable of delivering 7.7 tons (7 metric tonnes) of cargo to geostationary orbit, it is the most powerful that ULA has ever developed. Powered by two RL10 engines, the Vulcan Centaur delivers thrust with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen - making it more efficient and economical than ever before.

To prepare for its first flight, ULA conducted a static fire test on Monday, May 22nd. This milestone tested all of the rocket’s systems, including the new GEM 63XL solid rocket motors, making sure it was running smoothly before launch. With this successful test, the Vulcan is ready for lift-off in the coming months.

The Vulcan Centaur marks an important milestone in aerospace technology and space exploration. It’s ULA’s most cost effective option yet, allowing for increased mobility and accessibility to space. This means more launches, more discoveries, and more opportunities to make significant progress in the pursuit of space exploration.

The potential Vulcan Centaur unlocks is immense, from Mars exploration to satellite communication and beyond. For embarking on some of the world’s most ambitious missions, the Vulcan Centaur stands as a testament to the capacity of human achievement, and the future of exploration holds limitless possibilities.