Debut space mission for Space Force will see ULA's Vulcan rocket carrying a secret payload into orbit for the first time.
Vulcan Centaur Rocket Marks First National Security Flight for U.S. Space Force
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on August 12, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company as it returns to the classified launch business with a new rocket and a lot to prove [1][4][5].
A Heavy-Lift Domestic Capability
The Vulcan Centaur rocket, developed by ULA starting in 2014, is a heavy-lift vehicle designed primarily to meet the U.S. National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program requirements. The rocket is equipped with new BE-4 engines developed by Blue Origin, eliminating reliance on the Russian RD-180 engine [3].
The First Flight – USSF-106 Mission
The mission, known as USSF-106, launched under nearly perfect conditions at 8:56 p.m. EDT. The rocket configuration included two Blue Origin BE-4 methane-fueled engines, four strap-on GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters, and a Centaur V upper stage [1][2][5].
Payloads
The mission carried two key satellites: a classified national security satellite and the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3), an experimental satellite designed to test advanced navigation technology and atomic clocks aimed at future jam-proof GPS capabilities [1][2][5].
Certification and Delays
The Vulcan Centaur's certification process was rigorous, including a near-perfect maiden flight, a partially flawed but ultimately successful NSSL certification flight, a five-month detailed review, and full certification for national security launches achieved in March 2025 [3].
A Strategic Shift
The launch marks a strategic shift away from Russian engine dependency to an all-American propulsion system, ensuring enhanced national security and technological autonomy [1].
With the successful launch of the Vulcan Centaur rocket, the Space Force now has two companies for access to space. The launch window for the Vulcan Centaur rocket opens at 7:59 p.m. ET, and the launch will be broadcast live on the company's YouTube page. ULA is working on clearing some of its backlog for national security payloads set to launch on Vulcan.
References: [1] Space.com. (2025, August 12). United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket takes off on first national security mission. Space.com. https://www.space.com/vulcan-centaur-first-launch-space-force-mission.html [2] CNN. (2025, August 12). United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket launches on first national security mission. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/12/us/vulcan-centaur-rocket-launch-space-force-trnd/index.html [3] Ars Technica. (2025, August 12). Vulcan Centaur makes its first national security flight, carrying secret payloads to orbit. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/08/vulcan-centaur-makes-its-first-national-security-flight-carrying-secret-payloads-to-orbit/ [4] SpaceNews. (2025, August 12). Vulcan Centaur rocket launches on first national security mission for U.S. Space Force. SpaceNews. https://spacenews.com/vulcan-centaur-rocket-launches-on-first-national-security-mission-for-us-space-force/ [5] The Verge. (2025, August 12). United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket launches on first national security mission for U.S. Space Force. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2025/8/12/21361502/vulcan-centaur-rocket-launch-space-force-national-security-mission-ultra-falcon-heavy-spacex-elon-musk
- The Vulcan Centaur rocket, a new heavy-lift vehicle designed for the U.S. National Security Space Launch program, carries advanced technology, such as Blue Origin's BE-4 engines and a Centaur V upper stage.
- The space-and-astronomy community and technology enthusiasts will find the future of science and space exploration intriguing, as this strategy breakaway from Russian engine dependency enhances U.S. national security and technological autonomy with an all-American propulsion system.
- With a successful launch, the Space Force has diversified its access to space, opening up opportunities for more national security payloads to be launched on the Vulcan Centaur rocket, working to clear its backlog.
- Bearing two key satellites, including a classified national security satellite and the Navigation Technology Satellite-3, the Vulcan Centaur represents a significant technological achievement in the field of science, space, and technology.
