Get ready! ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket launches on October 4

United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is all set for its second launch on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 6 a.m. EDT (10:00 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch, called Cert-2, is a crucial step toward certifying the rocket for use by the U.S. Space Force.

Start readiness assessment completed successfully

The launch readiness assessment, held Oct. 2, went smoothly, led by ULA and Space Force civil servants confirmation of the readiness of the rocket and payload. Weather conditions are forecast to be favorable, with a 75% chance of meeting launch conditions.

Payload and objectives of Cert-2

Cert-2 is primarily a test flight and will include a mass simulator and additional instruments to assess the rocket’s performance. Although Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane was initially planned for this mission, it was not ready in time, so a replacement payload is being used.

Future plans for the Vulcan Centaur rocket

The launch is part of ULA’s efforts to secure the rocket for future national security missions, with plans for more flights before the end of the year. If the Cert-2 flight goes as planned, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur could become a workhorse for missions in 2025, with ten launches already planned in addition to Atlas V missions.