United Launch Alliance (ULA) is gearing up for the second flight of its new Vulcan Centaur rocket, scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024. This mission, designated Cert-2, is an essential step in certifying the Vulcan Centaur for U.S. Space Force national security launches.
Launch Details
The Cert-2 mission is set to lift off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch window opens at 6:00 a.m. EDT (1000 GMT) and extends for three hours. Weather conditions are favorable, with a 75% chance of acceptable launch weather.
Mission Objectives
The Cert-2 mission has several primary goals:
- Certification: This is the second of two test flights required for ULA’s certification process with the U.S. Space Force.
- High-Energy Capabilities: Demonstrate Vulcan’s high-energy rocket architecture by achieving an Earth-escape trajectory.
- Upper Stage Performance: Evaluate the Centaur V upper stage’s performance during long-duration coast periods.
- Technology Demonstrations: Conduct proprietary experiments focused on improving the upper stage’s endurance and cryogenic propellant management.
- Operational Capabilities: Further demonstrate the entire Vulcan rocket system’s operational readiness.
- Data Collection: Gather essential data on Vulcan’s capabilities for future improvements.
- Transition Readiness: Showcase Vulcan’s readiness to replace Atlas V for national security missions.
Unlike the first flight, which carried Astrobotic’s Peregrine moon lander, Cert-2 will launch an inert payload into a deep space orbit around the Sun.
Launch Preparations
ULA has completed several key milestones in preparation for the launch:
- Rollout: The Vulcan Centaur was rolled out to the launch pad on September 30.
- Wet Dress Rehearsal: A crucial fueling test was conducted on October 1, during which the rocket was loaded with cryogenic propellants and put through a practice countdown.
- Launch Readiness Review: On October 2, ULA and Space Force leadership assessed the readiness of the rocket, payload, and mission assets, ultimately giving the go-ahead for launch.
Rocket Configuration and Technological Advancements
The Cert-2 mission will use the Vulcan VC2S variant, which showcases several key technological advancements:
Advanced Propulsion Systems
- First Stage: Two BE-4 methane-fueled main engines developed by Blue Origin, offering cleaner combustion, potential reusability, and higher performance compared to traditional kerosene-based engines.
- Upper Stage: Centaur V, featuring two RL10C-1-1A engines, larger propellant tanks, and advanced thermal management systems.
- Boosters: Two GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters, with the capability to use up to six boosters for increased payload capacity.
Flexible Configuration
The Vulcan Centaur’s modular design allows for various configurations to meet different mission requirements, including multiple fairing size options. This mission uses a standard-length, 5.4m Out-of-Autoclave (OoA) payload fairing.
Long-Duration Capabilities
ULA is developing technologies to extend the operational life of the Centaur V upper stage from hours to potentially days or weeks, enabling future in-space transportation and servicing capabilities.
Advanced Avionics and Guidance
The rocket incorporates state-of-the-art avionics and guidance systems for improved flight control, enhanced precision in orbital insertions, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Sustainability Features
The Vulcan Centaur is designed with sustainability in mind, including the potential for first-stage engine recovery (SMART reuse concept) and the use of domestically-sourced components.
Significance for ULA
This launch is critical for ULA as it transitions from its legacy Atlas V and Delta IV rockets to the new Vulcan Centaur. A successful flight will pave the way for ULA to begin launching national security missions, with two Space Force launches (USSF-106 and USSF-87) planned before the end of the year.
Future Plans
ULA is preparing for a significant increase in launch activity. CEO Tory Bruno announced plans for 20 launches in 2025, split evenly between Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur rockets. This ramp-up includes launches for both government and commercial customers, such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites.
Investment and Development
Bruno estimated the overall development cost of Vulcan to be between $5 billion and $7 billion. Additionally, ULA has invested over $1 billion in infrastructure to support Vulcan’s production and launch operations, including expanded factories, processing facilities, and launch pad renovations.
The Cert-2 launch marks a significant milestone for ULA and the Vulcan Centaur rocket. Its success will be crucial for ULA’s future in the competitive launch market and its ability to serve both government and commercial customers. The advanced technologies incorporated into the Vulcan Centaur position it as a versatile and capable launch vehicle, suited for a wide range of missions from commercial satellite deployments to national security launches and deep space exploration.
