United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched its first fully operational Vulcan rocket system from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday night. The launch took place at 8:56 p.m. Eastern daylight time, using two methane-fueled BE-4 engines to lift the rocket and its payload of two military satellites into orbit.
After three and a half minutes, the mission continued as two hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines powered the Centaur second stage, sending it toward geosynchronous orbit above the Equator. The Centaur system is designed to deliver heavy payloads directly into specialized orbits, reducing the amount of fuel required by the satellite itself to reach its final position.
One of the satellites aboard this mission will carry out a classified operation. The other will test new navigation technology and atomic clocks, which could help develop more secure GPS data for global navigation.
ULA’s workforce involved in this mission are members of IAM Local 610 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Local 971 in Jupiter, Florida, and Local 44 in Decatur, Alabama.
“This was the 101st successful launch of a ULA rocket system thanks to the hard work and dedication of this multi talented group of IAM Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings,” according to a statement from ULA.
