ULA's Vulcan Rocket Soars! First Space Force Mission a Success!
United Launch Alliance (ULA) marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its Vulcan rocket, carrying two military satellites into space. This mission, designated USSF-106, represents the first U.S. Space Force-sanctioned flight for the new Vulcan launcher, poised to replace the Atlas 5 and the retired Delta rockets.
The 202-foot-tall Vulcan rocket, equipped with four solid rocket boosters, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 8:56 p.m. EDT. The powerful BE-4 engines generated nearly 3 million pounds of thrust, creating a spectacular display visible for miles. The rocket followed an easterly trajectory, arcing over the Atlantic Ocean.
"This mission is heading directly to geosynchronous orbit and will be one of our longest missions to date,” said Gary Wentz, the vice president of Government and Commercial Programs for ULA. “It was purposefully designed to support these missions, direct inject to GEO for the Space Force."
The primary payload included at least two satellites. One of them is an experimental navigation satellite known as Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3). This satellite will test new technologies designed to enhance resilience against jamming and spoofing, addressing a growing concern for both military and commercial satellite operators. NTS-3 features a phased array antenna, enabling it to focus powerful beams to ground forces and combat jamming environments.
The successful launch of the Vulcan rocket signifies a new era for ULA and its commitment to delivering critical satellites to orbit for national security. The mission’s trajectory requires a seven-hour journey that will span over 22,000 miles.
Key Highlights of the Vulcan Rocket Launch:
- First Space Force-sanctioned flight for ULA's Vulcan rocket.
- Carried two military satellites, including the experimental NTS-3.
- Utilized four solid rocket boosters for increased takeoff power.
- Demonstrated enhanced navigation technology to combat jamming.
- Trajectory to geosynchronous orbit, 22,300 miles above the equator.