Time for the second launch of Vulcan!

Scheduled for (UTC) 2024-10-04 10:00
Scheduled for (local) 2024-10-04 06:00 (EST)
Launch site SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida.
Launch provider United Launch Alliance (ULA)
Launch vehicle Vulcan Centaur (VC2S configuration*)
Mission success criteria Successful launch and deployment of payloads into desired orbit

VC2S configuration breakdown:

  • V: Vulcan first stage
  • C: Centaur V upper stage
  • 2: Two GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters on the first stage
  • S: Standard size fairing, 15.5 m in length

Livestreams

Stream Link
ULA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAUatH8O6Ng
NASASpaceFlight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPztD5zwgYY
Spaceflight Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec_4DHUylEg
The Launch Pad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yTZpKycf-w
Space Affairs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lIdTeAs5As

Stats

☑️ 2nd Vulcan mission of 2024

☑️ 2nd Vulcan mission overall

☑️ 5th ULA mission of 2024

☑️ 163rd ULA mission overall

Payload info

Certification Flight 2

Replacement Vulcan test launch with inert payload, experiments, and demonstrations for certification with the USSF after delays caused by payload testing of the Sierra Space Dreamchaser CRS SNC-1 mission, the original planned payload.

Target orbit Heliocentric Orbit
Payloads 1
Total Mass 1,500 kg

Previous ULA launch: USSF-51

Next ULA launch: [TBD]

  • Morphit @feddit.ukEnglish
    3·
    12 hours ago

    In space now. Chilling second stage.

    Launch looked a bit chunky but I guess that’s just the solids.

    • Morphit @feddit.ukEnglish
      4·
      12 hours ago

      Actually rewatching it, it looks like might have been a nozzle failure on one of the GEMs. There’s a big flare before clouds obscure the rocket - much bigger than the ice. After this, one side looks to have a bigger exhaust plume than the other, and burns out slightly sooner.

      Yeah, NSF are speculating about it.