United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched its first fully operational Vulcan rocket system on Tuesday night from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch took place at 8:56 p.m. Eastern daylight time, with the rocket powered by two methane-fueled BE-4 engines that generated three million pounds of thrust.
The mission carried two military satellites for the U.S. Space Force, marking the first sanctioned flight of ULA’s new launch vehicle. After liftoff, the second stage Centaur rocket, powered by two hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines, continued the journey to geosynchronous orbit above the Equator.
One of the satellites will carry out a classified mission, while the other is set to test new navigation technology and atomic clocks that could contribute to developing a more secure GPS system for global navigation.
ULA’s workforce involved in this mission are members of IAM Local 610 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Local 971 in Jupiter, Florida, and Local 44 in Decatur, Alabama.
“This was the 101st successful launch of a ULA rocket system thanks to the hard work and dedication of this multi talented group of IAM Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings,” according to ULA.
