United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing for the second test flight of its Vulcan Centaur rocket, known as Cert-2, which is scheduled for October 4 at Cape Canaveral. This launch is an important milestone for ULA as it aims to increase its launch activity in the coming years.
ULA has already completed a successful wet dress rehearsal, indicating that preparations are on track for the upcoming mission. Cert-2 follows the inaugural flight, Cert-1, which took place in January and successfully delivered Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander to the moon.
The primary objective of Cert-2 is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Vulcan Centaur rocket and achieve another successful flight. This is crucial for ULA's goal of obtaining certification from the U.S. Space Force for national security missions. After the launch, ULA will analyze the flight data internally before submitting it to the Space Force for assessment.
Looking ahead, ULA has ambitious plans for 2025, aiming for a total of 20 launches, depending on the timely arrival of spacecraft. This launch schedule will include a mix of Atlas and Vulcan missions for both government and commercial customers. Amazon is set to begin launching its Project Kuiper satellites, with the first Atlas launch now rescheduled for early next year.
ULA's CEO, Tory Bruno, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Amazon, particularly considering the delays caused by the national security space satellite schedule.
In addition to commercial partnerships, ULA is also preparing for the inclusion of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane in its future launch manifest. Although Dream Chaser was initially planned for the Cert-2 mission, it was determined that the vehicle would not be ready in time for a fall launch. However, ULA remains committed to accommodating Dream Chaser in its 2025 plans, demonstrating the company's flexibility and dedication to its partners.
To support the increased launch cadence and the development of the Vulcan rocket, ULA has invested over $1 billion in infrastructure enhancements. This includes expanding factories, upgrading processing facilities, and renovating a former Atlas launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base for Vulcan launches. ULA has also acquired a second ship for transporting Vulcan vehicles and has potential plans for an airship in the future.
According to ULA's CEO, Tory Bruno, the development costs of the Vulcan rocket are consistent with the typical range of large launch vehicles, which is between $5 billion and $7 billion. Bruno stated that Vulcan's development costs are "less than two-digit billions." This financial commitment reflects ULA's strategic focus on enhancing its launch capabilities and maintaining competitiveness in the aerospace industry.
The Cert-2 mission will not only serve as a test flight but will also include experiments aimed at advancing the capabilities of the Centaur upper stage. ULA plans to conduct technology demonstrations and performance measurements that will inform the development of a future version of Centaur capable of extended operation in orbit. This capability would enable in-space transportation and servicing, significantly extending the operational lifetime of the Centaur.
The main portion of the Cert-2 mission will last approximately 35 minutes, focusing on the two primary burns of the Centaur upper stage, with additional tests planned shortly thereafter. The successful execution of these experiments will be critical for ULA's long-term vision of enhancing in-space mobility and servicing capabilities.
As ULA prepares for the Cert-2 launch, the company is poised to significantly increase its flight rates, opening up new opportunities in space exploration and commercial ventures. The successful outcome of this mission will not only strengthen ULA's reputation but also solidify its position as a key player in the evolving aerospace industry.