Critical launch for Vulcan as ULA targets Friday the 13th
Hopefully without disintegrating SRB nozzles
United Launch Alliance (ULA) aims to resume operations on Friday, November 13, with a Vulcan launch carrying 40 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit. The booster will utilize BE-4 engines along with six Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and a Centaur V second stage powered by two RL10C-1 engines. This will be Amazon's first launch with Vulcan following eight deployments with ULA's Atlas V. It is also the first launch since a previous Vulcans SRB issue that caused notable performance anomalies earlier this year.
The US Space Force payload successfully reached orbit in that mission, but the Vulcan was grounded for investigation. Previous launches encountered SRB nozzle shedding and further issues, leading to further stand-downs. Meanwhile, the Atlas V has continued deploying Amazon Leo satellites, with another 29 added on a July 2 launch from Space Launch Complex-41.
Amazon has booked 38 Vulcan rocket launches, indicating a significant increase compared to the eight Atlas V launches already performed for Leo. The SRBs are provided by Northrop Grumman, and the GEM 63XL units offer an additional 459,600 lbs (2,044 kN) of thrust at liftoff. ULA has not disclosed the investigation results or modifications made to address SRB concerns.
The launch represents a crucial step for Amazon, US Space Force, and ULA's biggest customers, as they seek improved flight data and validation of design and process enhancements.
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- Critical launch for Vulcan as ULA targets Friday the 13th theregister.com
- ULA's Vulcan rocket is set to return to flight on Friday the 13th arstechnica.com
