Vulcan nears return as ULA targets Amazon Leo launch in October
United Launch Alliance says it is weeks away from returning its Vulcan rocket to flight, with an Amazon Leo launch targeted for no earlier than 29 October. A successful mission could mark a turning point for the rocket and support a higher launch rate next year, provided its solid rocket boosters perform as expected.
Elsewhere, South Korea’s Nuri rocket successfully deployed five satellites for a national microsatellite constellation, though one secondary CubeSat failed to separate. German startup HyImpulse postponed its next suborbital flight to spring 2027, while Rocket Factory Augsburg appointed Alexander Dahm as CEO as it works towards RFA ONE’s first orbital launch. A SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying US Space Force satellites was also scrubbed in the final minute of its countdown.
- Vulcan’s return to flight is targeted for 29 October.
- Nuri deployed five South Korean satellites, with one CubeSat separation failure.
- HyImpulse delayed its next flight; a Falcon 9 launch was scrubbed.
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United Launch Alliance, or ULA, is an American company that launches satellites and spacecraft for the US government and commercial customers. Vulcan is ULA's new rocket, designed to carry large payloads into orbit and compete with other modern launch vehicles.
Vulcan's development took several years and involved significant investment from ULA and its parent companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The rocket is important for ULA's long-term strategy, particularly as it faces competition from newer launch companies and works to support US national security interests in space.
Amazon Leo is Amazon's planned network of satellites in orbit, intended to provide internet coverage globally. Amazon has contracted with ULA to launch these satellites using Vulcan, making this partnership significant for both companies.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “Rocket Report: A rare Falcon 9 scrub; is it just about Vulcan’s time to shine?”.