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ULA readies for 2nd launch of Vulcan rocket from Space Coast

Cert-2 mission final flight test required for ULA’s certification process

A Vulcan Centaur rocket blasts off on its inaugural launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (WKMG)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket is set to lift off Friday morning from Florida’s Space Coast for its final test flight needed for its certification process with the U.S. Space Force.

The launch window runs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the Cert-2 mission from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

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ULA said the Cert-2 mission includes an inert payload and demonstrations associated with future Centaur V technologies and is the second of two test flights required for ULA’s certification process for national security missions with the U.S. Space Force.

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As of Thursday afternoon, there is an 80% chance of favorable launch conditions.

The 200-foot rocket won’t be carrying a customer payload this time due to the new Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane not being ready yet for its first flight to the International Space Station.

The first Vulcan Centaur rocket blasted off from Brevard County on Jan 8. NASA has called the Vulcan Centaur’s maiden mission a precursor for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.


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About the Author
Brenda Argueta headshot

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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