ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket set for second launch Oct. 4 from Cape Canaveral

United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is ready for its second launch Friday, October 4, 2024, at 6 a.m. EDT (10:00 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch, called Cert-2, is a key step toward certifying the rocket for use by the US Space Force.

Launch readiness review successfully completed

The launch readiness review, held on October 2, went smoothly, with ULA leadership and Space Force officials confirming the readiness of the rocket and payload. Weather conditions are predicted to be favorable, with a 75% chance of meeting launch conditions.

Cert-2 Payload and Targets

Cert-2 is primarily a test flight and will carry a mass simulator and additional instruments to evaluate the rocket’s performance. Although Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane was originally planned for this mission, it was not ready in time, so a replacement payload is being used.

Future plans for the Vulcan Centaur rocket

The launch is part of ULA’s effort to secure the rocket for future national security missions, with plans for more flights before the end of the year. If the Cert-2 flight goes as planned, ULA’s Vulcan Centaur could become the workhorse for missions in 2025, with 10 launches already planned in addition to Atlas V missions.