Vulcan woes will "absolutely" be a factor in Pentagon's next rocket competition
Summary
The US Space Force is facing challenges with United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which has had two serious problems with its solid rocket boosters since its first flight in January 2024. These issues are influencing how the Pentagon plans to buy rocket launch services in the future.Key Facts
- The Vulcan rocket is one of two main rockets the Space Force uses, along with SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
- Vulcan has flown only four times since January 2024 despite nearly 70 launches waiting to happen.
- On two flights, a part of the Vulcan’s solid rocket booster broke off, but the rockets still reached their destinations.
- Vulcan is expected to be grounded for many months and may not fly again this year for military missions.
- Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant said Vulcan’s problems will affect Pentagon decisions on rocket contracts.
- United Launch Alliance (ULA), owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, was the Pentagon’s top launch provider for almost 20 years.
- SpaceX recently won most military launch contracts for 2025 to 2029, offering cheaper and more frequent launches.
- The Space Force added Blue Origin as a new contractor but their New Glenn rocket still needs more successful test flights before full certification.
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