US Military Satellite Soars into Orbit Through Maiden Voyage of Vulcan Centaur Rocket (Video)
The Vulcan Centaur rocket, a groundbreaking addition to the U.S. space industry, made its first flight in January 2024. This experimental navigation satellite launch marked the U.S. military's first such mission in 48 years.
Designed with a two-stage structure, the Vulcan Centaur stands tall at 109.2 feet in length and boasts a 17.7-foot diameter. Powered by two BE-4 engines, each producing 550,000 pounds of thrust, and up to six GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters for additional liftoff thrust, this rocket is a force to be reckoned with. The Centaur V upper stage, which measures 38.5 feet in length, is equipped with twin RL10C-1-1A engines, fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, and features pressure-stabilized tanks made of stainless steel. The Vulcan Centaur can lift approximately 11,693 kg to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
The Vulcan Centaur has been contracted to launch over two dozen national security missions on behalf of the U.S. Space Force. One such mission, the USSF-106, took place on August 12, 2025, and saw the successful delivery of the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) and a classified Space Force payload (USA-554) into geosynchronous orbit. This marked one of ULA's longest flights ever, spanning over 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers).
Looking ahead, the Vulcan Centaur is set for a busy year, with around nine launches planned in 2025, ramping up to about two launches per month by the end of the year. The projected number of launches for 2026 is 20 to 25. However, the exact remaining scheduled launches beyond 2025 have not been explicitly detailed in the current sources. For the most precise information on remaining scheduled Vulcan Centaur launches, checking ULA’s official manifest or launch schedule updates is recommended since they periodically update planned flights.
The NTS-3 satellite, a position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite, is equipped with a phased array antenna that allows it to focus powerful beams to ground forces and combat jamming environments. Moreover, its software architecture allows it to be reprogrammed while in orbit, a game-changing capability. The U.S. Space Force certified the Vulcan Centaur for national security launches after it overcame the anomaly during the second flight.
The second Vulcan Centaur launch took place in October 2024, but the actual Dream Chaser vehicle wasn't ready in time. Instead, a mass simulator meant for Sierra Space's Dream Chaser was used. The launch involved four side-mounted solid rocket boosters.
GPS jamming has become an increasingly worrisome problem for both the U.S. military and commercial satellite operators. The Vulcan Centaur's ability to deliver resilient satellites, like the NTS-3, is a significant step forward in addressing this issue.
It's worth noting that SpaceX is the other launch provider certified to launch military and spy satellites. The Vulcan Centaur can launch from both Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base.
In summary, the Vulcan Centaur rocket is a powerful and versatile addition to the U.S. space industry. With its first successful launch under its belt and a busy schedule ahead, the Vulcan Centaur is poised to play a crucial role in national security and commercial missions for years to come.
- The successful delivery of the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) by the Vulcan Centaur in August 2025 marked a significant advancement in space-and-astronomy technology, providing robust position, navigation, and timing services even in combat jamming environments.
- The Vulcan Centaur's technological prowess extends beyond the sphere of space-and-astronomy, as its capacity to launch national security missions equips science with sophisticated tools for both defense and research.
- As the U.S. Space Force turns to the future, they look forward to the integration of advanced technology like the Vulcan Centaur into their operations, ensuring they stay ahead in the dynamic field of environment, technology, and news concerning space emerging.
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