United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Next Generation Vulcan Rocket

Futuramic AdminNews, Rocket Launch

ULA’s Vulcan Rocket Successfully Launches Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander with Blue Origin’s BE-4 Engines

In the early hours of January 8th, 2024, history was made at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as United Launch Alliance (ULA) embarked on a pioneering journey with the debut launch of its revolutionary Vulcan Centaur rocket. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of years of collaboration and innovation between ULA, Blue Origin, and Astrobotic.

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Next Generation Vulcan Rocket. Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark

Blue Origin’s BE-4 Engine. Image credit: Blue Origin

Powered by Blue Origin’s state-of-the-art BE-4 engines, the Vulcan rocket soared majestically into the star-studded sky, carrying Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander as its precious payload. With the successful separation of the Peregrine lander, ULA’s Vulcan rocket has paved the way for the next generation of lunar exploration.

Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander is poised to embark on a historic lunar mission, aiming to touch down on the Moon’s surface near Sinus Viscositatis. Equipped with scientific instruments funded by NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, Peregrine will conduct vital research to advance our understanding of the lunar environment.

This landmark achievement underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing space exploration. ULA’s Vulcan rocket, fueled by Blue Origin’s cutting-edge engines, exemplifies the spirit of technological excellence driving humanity’s quest to reach new frontiers.

Futuramic congratulates ULA, Blue Origin, and Astrobotic on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to the exciting advancements that lie ahead in space exploration.

 Vulcan Cert-1 Launch Highlights

About Vulcan Centaur

“Leveraging the proven processes, technology and expertise of Atlas and Delta, the Vulcan Centaur rocket introduces new technologies and innovative features to create the highest value launch service with optimal performance to meet the full range of mission requirements. Vulcan Centaur consists of a single booster stage powered by a pair of BE-4 engines, the high-energy Centaur upper stage powered by two RL10 engines and a 5.4-meter-diameter payload fairing. For additional power at liftoff, up to six solid rocket boosters can be added to the Vulcan Centaur rocket. By making launch more afford- able, Vulcan Centaur opens up new opportunities for space capabilities, offering unprecedented flexibility in a single system. From low-Earth orbit to Pluto, the single-core Vulcan Centaur does it all.” – via ULA

Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark

About United Launch Alliance (ULA)

“Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching more than 155 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary.” – via ULA

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