ULA Vulcan Centaur Cert-2 Mission "GO" For Launch Friday

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) is gearing up for the second certification flight of its Vulcan Centaur rocket, marking a critical milestone in ULA’s path toward certifying the Vulcan Centaur for national security missions with the U.S. Space Force.

The Vulcan VC2S rocket is set to launch the Cert-2 mission from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, during a launch window on Friday, October 4, 2024, between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. EDT.

This mission includes an inert payload and key technology demonstrations for the Centaur V upper stage.

Mission Overview

The Cert-2 mission is the second of two flights required to secure U.S. Space Force certification for ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. Certification is essential for ULA to perform high-priority national security missions, including the launch of defense satellites.

The rocket, standing 202 feet (61.6 meters) tall, will carry an inert payload, along with tests of future Centaur V technologies. These tests include evaluations of key hardware and operations that will ensure the vehicle’s reliability for future missions.

The primary goal of Cert-2 is to demonstrate the Vulcan rocket's capability to operate in the harsh environment of deep space while meeting all the requirements necessary to earn certification.

This second flight follows the success of Cert-1, and once this mission is complete, ULA will be on track to handle future U.S. military and scientific satellite launches.

Weather: 80% Favorable Conditions

The weather outlook for Friday’s launch is positive, with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions during the three-hour window, as reported by the Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 weather team.

The launch forecast includes scattered clouds and cirrus, providing good visibility. Winds will be easterly at 13 to 18 knots, and temperatures near 80°F (27°C).

Space Launch Weather Officer Brian Belson noted that a high-pressure system moving across the eastern U.S. will drive light coastal showers, but these are expected to remain offshore. The main weather concern could be the Cumulus Clouds Rule, which governs cloud formation and its effect on launch safety.

Should the launch need to move to the backup window on Saturday, similar conditions are expected, with a 75 percent chance of favorable weather.

Vulcan Centaur Rocket VC2S Rocket

The Vulcan Centaur VC2S rocket is designed to be the next-generation workhorse for ULA’s mission portfolio.

At the heart of the vehicle is the Centaur V upper stage, a 5.4-meter diameter, 38.5-foot-long cryogenic vehicle that uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. Powered by two RL10C-1-1A engines, the stage produces 23,825 pounds of thrust, pushing payloads into higher orbits or deep space.

The Centaur V's lightweight, pressure-stabilized stainless steel tanks are insulated with multi-layer insulation blankets and spray-on foam to maintain cryogenic temperatures, ensuring mission success during long-duration flights. The second stage also houses a fault-tolerant avionics system that manages flight control and vehicle operations during the mission.

The booster section is equally impressive, measuring 109.2 feet (33.3 meters) in length. It is powered by two BE-4 engines, each delivering 550,000 pounds of thrust using liquid methane (LNG) and liquid oxygen, making the Vulcan rocket highly efficient for modern space missions. In addition, two GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters provide an extra kick at liftoff, adding 459,600 pounds of thrust each, ensuring the rocket clears the atmosphere with ease.

Payload and Fairing

Although the Cert-2 mission carries an inert payload, the launch will validate critical systems and processes for future missions.

The payload is housed within a 5.4-meter diameter payload fairing, a composite structure designed to protect the spacecraft during its ascent through the atmosphere. The payload fairing features a bisector design, which separates horizontally and vertically upon deployment, ensuring a debris-free release.

ULA uses two fairing configurations depending on mission needs. For this mission, the standard 15.5-meter (51-foot) version is utilized. The fairing is built with a vented aluminum-honeycomb core and graphite-epoxy face sheets, combining strength and lightweight properties. The payload attach fitting, also made of composite materials, provides a secure interface between the spacecraft and the upper stage, ensuring stability during the rocket’s rapid ascent.

Launch Readiness Review

In preparation for Friday’s launch, ULA conducted its Launch Readiness Review (LRR), led by ULA Launch Director Eric Richards. The review, held at the Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), confirmed that the rocket, payload, and mission assets are ready for liftoff. Senior leadership from ULA and the Space Force thoroughly evaluated pre-flight preparations, technical overviews, and the weather forecast before giving the mission a green light.

Once the Cert-2 mission is successfully completed, ULA will be closer to offering Vulcan Centaur for key military and national security launches. The upcoming launch will also be a major step forward for ULA as it transitions from its reliable Atlas V and Delta IV rockets to the next-generation Vulcan rocket, which is poised to play a critical role in future space exploration and defense missions.

As the Vulcan VC2S rocket prepares for liftoff on the Cert-2 mission, all eyes will be on Cape Canaveral on Friday morning. The weather forecast looks favorable, and with the successful completion of the Launch Readiness Review, ULA is ready to demonstrate the full capabilities of its next-generation rocket.