United Launch Alliance (ULA) has started de-stacking its third Vulcan rocket from a mobile launch platform in Florida, further delaying the certification of the new rocket for use by the US Space Force. The delay comes after initial plans to certify and launch the rocket on time have slipped.
The de-stacking process will clear ULA’s vertical hangar, allowing it to assemble an Atlas V rocket, which is Vulcan’s predecessor. This will enable the launch of Amazon’s Kuiper Internet constellation’s operational satellites.
ULA initially planned to launch 20 missions in 2025, with a split between its new Vulcan rocket and the Atlas V heading for retirement. However, with the certification delay, ULA’s first launch of the year is now still about a month or more away.
The certification process involves numerous reviews and paperwork, as the Space Force aims to ensure the Vulcan rocket provides a reliable ride to orbit for sensitive satellites. The US Department of Defense awarded ULA $4.5 billion in Phase 2 contracts, with 26 missions booked for the company’s services.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/02/ulas-vulcan-rocket-still-doesnt-have-the-space-forces-seal-of-approval