On October 4, 2024, United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) second Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This test flight, known as Cert-2, was crucial for certifying the vehicle for national security payloads. However, during the ascent phase, the rocket experienced an anomaly related to one of its solid rocket boosters (SRB).
Launch Details
The Vulcan Centaur rocket lifted off at 7:25 AM Eastern Time after experiencing a slight delay of half an hour, which allowed engineers to conduct additional pre-launch checks. The green light followed a previous countdown attempt that was halted at 1 minute and 51 seconds prior to liftoff due to a transient issue on a redundant data system. ULA CEO Tory Bruno confirmed that the issue was resolved, enabling the rocket’s successful launch.
Anomaly Observed
Initial reports indicated that the flight performance of the Vulcan Centaur was nominal during the early stages. However, discrepancies were noted approximately 30 seconds post-liftoff regarding the separation of the two GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters. A noticeable change in the plume of one booster suggested potential damage to its nozzle, evidenced by material breaking away from it.
"We did have an observation on SRB number one, and so we will be off looking into that after the mission is complete," ULA's CEO stated in a launch webcast.
Aftermath of the Launch
After the Centaur completed its second burn 35 minutes post-liftoff, ULA planned to continue its operations to conduct several experiments with the upper stage. While ULA maintained the flight was nominal overall, the timing of subsequent events, including the booster separation and engine shutdown, lagged behind the anticipated timeline by up to 20 seconds.
Implications for Future Missions
Bruno addressed the anomaly after the Centaur burn, labeling it a "nozzle anomaly" that did not signify a failure of the SRB itself. He relayed that no explosions occurred, and the issue was well compensated for by the booster beyond its frame, assuring stakeholders of its non-critical nature.
Flight Profile and Mission Impact
The Cert-2 flight served primarily as a test for the Vulcan Centaur, specifically to validate its capabilities for future national security missions, namely USSF-106 and USSF-87. The original plan for this flight included transporting Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane. Yet, in June, ULA opted to substitute it with a solid mass simulator due to delays in Dream Chaser’s readiness.
| Launch Date | Payload | Status |
|---|---|---|
| October 4, 2024 | Mass Simulator | Successful with noted anomalies |
| Launch Window Schedule | Three-hour window | First count attempt and confirmation |
Looking Ahead
Going forward, ULA aims for swift completion of the certification process, expected in a matter of weeks following successful mission analytics. The anomaly’s implications are under review, as the team assesses its influences on the certification timeline.
Material observed coming off one of the solid rocket boosters shortly after liftoff. Credit: ULA webcast
Conclusion
The Vulcan Centaur’s Cert-2 flight represents a pivotal moment in ULA’s ongoing efforts to certify their new launch vehicle for essential national security operations. Despite the challenges presented by the anomaly, ULA’s response demonstrates their commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and operational standards.
For More Information
This article references content from SpaceNews.