United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched its first fully operational Vulcan rocket system from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 8:56 p.m. Eastern daylight time on Tuesday. The launch used two methane-fueled BE-4 engines, delivering three million pounds of thrust and carrying two military satellites for the U.S. Space Force.
About three and a half minutes after liftoff, the second stage Centaur rocket ignited with two hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines, guiding the payload to geosynchronous orbit above the equator. The Centaur system is designed to transport heavy payloads into high orbits while minimizing fuel use by the satellite itself.
The mission included one classified satellite tasked with a secret operation and another satellite aimed at testing new navigation technology and atomic clocks that could help develop jam-resistant GPS systems.
The workforce behind ULA’s launch 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.”
