Vulcan Rocket’s Launch This Year Remains on Track Despite Engine Explosion

United Launch Alliance (ULA) remains committed to launching its heavy-lift Vulcan rocket by late 2023, despite a recent engine explosion during testing. The incident involved one of Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines intended for ULA’s second Vulcan rocket launch. ULA CEO Tory Bruno discussed the setback in an episode of CNBC’s “Manifest Space” podcast, noting that engine issues are not uncommon during rocket production. Bruno explained that such occurrences happen every month. The first flight of the Vulcan rocket has faced multiple delays due to necessary modifications.

The initial launch will carry two demo satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a venture that aims to develop a satellite network for internet services. Amazon plans to invest $120 million in a facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to support satellite production. ULA, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, is one of the key launch partners for this project, along with Blue Origin.

Once ULA successfully completes its first two Vulcan missions, the U.S. Space Force will evaluate the rocket for national security launches. The military has awarded contracts for 12 designated missions in 2025, evenly split between ULA and SpaceX. Vulcan has been selected to launch two missions for the National Reconnaissance Organization. As the Space Force expands its list of launch providers, ULA seeks clarity on the program’s requirements.

Bruno emphasizes the growing demand for military space and the importance of space capabilities for military effectiveness, especially in the face of adversaries like China. He reveals that ULA is exploring partnerships with smaller companies to enhance in-space services and protect military payloads from potential attacks.