The United States Space Force (USSF) is set to launch its first-ever mission using the new Vulcan Centaur rocket, marking a significant milestone in its space program. The USSF-106 launch, scheduled for August 12 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, will also deploy an experimental navigation satellite, NTS-3, after nearly 50 years.
The Vulcan Centaur rocket is a major development for the USSF, as it marks the service’s first launch with the new propulsion system. The rocket has undergone rigorous testing and certification processes, overcoming issues with one of its solid rocket boosters during its second flight.
NTS-3, the navigation satellite, will conduct over 100 experiments from geosynchronous orbit to test position, navigation, and timing systems. The satellite’s development was a decade-long effort, with an estimated cost of $250 million, funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Pentagon.
The launch is crucial for the USSF, as it aims to ensure access to space and maintain assured capabilities despite potential risks from rival nations like Russia. The service has emphasized the need for multiple launch providers to mitigate this risk.
Gary Wentz, vice president of government and commercial missions at United Launch Alliance (ULA), expressed confidence in the rocket’s performance, citing extensive testing and validation of its systems. “This is a tough business,” Wentz noted, emphasizing the importance of precise planning and execution.
The USSF-106 mission sets the stage for a new wave of experiments and prototypes aimed at bolstering the Space Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation. The development of NTS-3 aligns with the Space Force’s efforts to enhance its capabilities in space-based systems, such as agile software, anti-jamming signals, and resiliency across orbits.
The launch is also significant for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which has worked closely with ULA on the Vulcan Centaur rocket development. AFRL Director Joanna Hicks highlighted the satellite’s potential to support the Space Force’s warfighter operations in every domain, emphasizing the need for responsive and flexible navigation systems in GPS-disrupted environments.
The USSF-106 mission is a historic moment for the US space program, marking the first successful launch with the Vulcan Centaur rocket. As the service continues to expand its capabilities, this launch sets the stage for significant advancements in space-based technologies and operations.
Source: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-rocket-new-pnt-satellite-space-force-ready-launch