ULA has completed the full assembly of its first Vulcan rocket at Cape Canaveral in Florida, marking a significant milestone in preparations for its inaugural flight expected next month.
The payload fairing, containing the commercial lunar lander Astrobotic, has been installed on the launch vehicle at the ULA Vertical Integration Facility. The capsule was fueled before its journey to the Moon at a nearby facility. The 61.6-meter Vulcan is now awaiting transportation to the launch pad.
The upcoming launch of Vulcan is a crucial moment for ULA as it aims to compete with its rival SpaceX. ULA’s launch pace has lagged behind SpaceX, and Vulcan has been designed as a next-generation rocket to replace the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. ULA has already secured 70 Vulcan launches, over half of which are commercial missions, with the remainder for the U.S. military. Amazon has also reserved 38 Vulcan missions for its satellite network, Project Kuiper.
ULA aims to achieve an average launch cadence of two rockets per month by the end of 2025, which is a rapid pace for a rocket set to debut in just two years. Engine reusability and recovery are also part of ULA’s long-term plans.
Astrobotic’s Peregrine One mission will be the inaugural payload for Vulcan. The rocket will carry multiple payloads, including those for NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The successful integration of the lander into Vulcan’s payload capsule is considered a significant achievement. Astrobotic CEO John Thornton praised the dedication, ingenuity, and readiness of his team for the upcoming mission.
The main designer of Vulcan is John Thornton, who stated that his team is excited about the preparations for the inaugural flight. Vulcan will be powered by Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines, with additional thrust provided by strap-on boosters from Northrop Grumman. The launch is scheduled for January 8th, following delays due to ground system issues during testing.
The assembly and progress of Vulcan signify ULA’s determination to regain its position in the competitive launch market and demonstrate its ability to deliver a wide range of missions efficiently and reliably.
FAQ
What is the Vulcan rocket?
The Vulcan rocket is a new launch vehicle developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA). It is designed to replace the older Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. Vulcan is intended to have the capability of reusing and reusing components.
When is the inaugural flight of Vulcan?
The inaugural flight of Vulcan is scheduled for January 2022.
What are the main goals of Vulcan?
The main goals of Vulcan are to compete with SpaceX and increase ULA’s launch cadence. Vulcan is expected to be a more efficient and cost-effective rocket compared to its predecessors.
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