Vulcan Centaur is ULA's next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to replace Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. Utilizing advanced technology from both legacy platforms along with innovations like Blue Origin's BE-4 engines, Vulcan offers increased capabilities at competitive prices. Primarily developed to meet the requirements of the National Security Space Launch program, Vulcan completed its maiden flight in January 2024. Vulcan performed its second flight in October 2024 and suffered an anomaly with one of its solid rocket boosters, though the vehicle’s performance was not affected. After a lengthy certification process, the Space Force approved Vulcan for National Security Space Launch missions in March 2025, and it performed its first NSSL launch in August 2025.
Vulcan Centaur Technical Data
First Launch: Jan. 8, 2024.
Total Launches (through CY 2025): 3.
Launches in CY 25: 1.
Class: Heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle.
Company: United Launch Alliance (ULA).
Payload to LEO: Up to 27,200 kg (60,000 lb).
NSSL Lane 2 Certified: Yes.
Payload to GEO: Up to 14,400 kg (32,000 lb) to GTO.
Engine Type: Two Blue Origin BE-4 engines (first stage), two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines (upper stage).
NSSL Lane 2 Certified: March 2025, after two test flights.