ULA chief says Vulcan rocket will move to 2024 after problems with ground system

Enlarge / the ULAs Vulcan rocket Rolls has THE launch buffer For essay. United Launch Alliance

United Launch Alliance will not see THE beginning of It is The next generation Vulcan rocket In 2023, as previously planned.

THE launch the society chief executive, Tory Bruno, announcement THE delay on THE social media site X on Sunday. United Launch Alliance had has been functioning towards A beginning flight of THE elevator amplifier on Christmas Day before, Since Cape Canaveral Space Force Station In Florida.

Bruno do THE announcement After THE business tent has complete A fill up test of THE entire rocket, known as A wet dress repetition.

"Vehicle carried out GOOD," Bruno wrote. "Ground system had A couple of (routine) problems, (be corrected). Ran THE chronology long SO We doesn't enough finishing. Identifier as A COMPLETE WDR Before OUR First of all flight, SO CHRISTMAS day before East likely out. Following Pilgrim window East 8 January."

Pilgrim East THE the rocket primary payload, A lunar lander built by Astrobotics that East destined has deliver scientist experiences For NASA And other payloads THE Moon. He has specific launch the Windows In order has reach THE Moon And attempt A landing during ideal lighting conditions.

From THE information content In that of Bruno comment, he appears as However THE work has correct THE ground systems has fuel Vulcan - the First of all scene propellant East methane, which United Launch Alliance has not work with before - will take long enough that he will to prevent another fill up test in front of THE the rocket late December launch window. So, THE following launch attempt will likely occur No earlier that January 8.

A light cadence

He has has been A slow year For United Launch Alliance, which dominated THE WE launch industry A decade There is. THE business East going has launch just three rockets This calendar year: THE classified NROL-68 assignment on A Delta IV Heavy rocket In June, THE “Silent barker” assignment For THE National Acknowledgement Desk on A Atlas V In September, And two Project Kuiper satellites For Amazon on A Atlas V In October.

That East THE the society the lowest total number of launches Since It is foundation In 2006, When THE rocket companies of Lockheed Martin And Boeing were merged.

Part of THE reason For THE weak total East that United Launch Alliance East in progress A transition Since It is historical fleet of Delta And Atlas rockets has Vulcan, which East destined has be more price competitive with other commercial offerings, such as SpaceX Falcon 9 And Falcon Heavy rockets. There will be A plot of request For Vulcan once he departures flying regularly.

However, another postman East that THE lower cost And also reliable Falcon rockets to have taken commercial And government launch business far Since United Launch Alliance. EspaceX has regularly ascended on THE last decade as United Launch Alliance has struggle has compete.

While that of Bruno business spear just three rockets In 2023, on A handle of occasions EspaceX has spear three rockets In three days during This calendar year. EspaceX East likely has END THE year with between 95 And 100 total launches.