On January 8, 2024, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched the Vulcan Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral, with the mission named Cert-1. This marked a historic moment as it was the world’s first liquid oxygen-methane rocket to launch a deep space probe.
I remember the buzz around the office when the news broke. The Vulcan Centaur, with its sleek design and powerful engines, was a beast of a rocket. It wasn’t just any launch; it was a milestone. The payload included the "Falcon" lunar lander, the ashes of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, actor James Doohan, and Nichelle Nichols, which were set to be deployed into solar orbit. Alongside them were human ashes, DNA samples, and time capsules, totaling 330 items. It was like sending a piece of humanity into the vast unknown.
Vulcan Centaur Rocket Overview
The Vulcan Centaur rocket, developed by ULA since 2014, is set to replace two retiring rockets in ULA’s fleet: the Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy. The first stage, named Vulcan, and the upper stage, named Centaur, stretch 61.6 meters in length and hold 45.4 tons of liquid propellant. Beyond the BE-4 engine, every piece of hardware on the Vulcan Centaur has been flight-proven.
I recall a conversation with a colleague who was excited about the BE-4 engines. "They’re like the heart of the rocket," he said. "Without them, the whole thing wouldn’t have the power to make it to space." Vulcan’s first stage, the first new launch vehicle stage developed by ULA since its inception in 2006, boasts a maximum thrust of 4900 kN, powered by two BE-4 engines made by Blue Origin. It’s based on the technology of the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets but uses liquid oxygen-methane propellant instead of the Delta IV’s liquid hydrogen-oxygen mix. The first stage can also be fitted with up to six solid rocket boosters made by Northrop Grumman, replacing the Atlas V’s AJ-60A.
The Centaur upper stage, standing at 11.7 meters, is equipped with two RL-10 engines from Aerojet Rocketdyne, providing a maximum thrust of 212 kN and a specific impulse of 453.8 seconds. The stage uses stainless steel for its fuel tanks and is an upgrade from the Centaur III, which was used on the Atlas V rocket. Starting in 2025, the Centaur V will use the upgraded RL10C-X engine, currently being tested near Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Future Launch Plans
ULA has plans to launch six Vulcan Centaur rockets in 2024, four of which will be for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. By 2025, they aim to increase the number of launches to 28.
The rocket is primarily designed to meet the launch requirements of the NSSL program, which includes launching national security satellites for the U.S. Space Force and intelligence agencies. The NSSL missions are contingent upon the successful completion of two launch missions. The Vulcan Centaur will also be used for commercial launches, including 38 orders for the Kuiper Internet Satellite constellation, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spaceplane.
I remember reading about the Dream Chaser and how it was designed to be a reusable spaceplane. It was fascinating to think about the future of space travel, where spacecraft like the Dream Chaser could make regular trips to orbit, potentially making space more accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the Vulcan Centaur rocket was a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of ULA and its partners. It wasn’t just about sending a rocket into space; it was about pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve as a species. From carrying the ashes of beloved "Star Trek" creators to deploying cutting-edge technology into space, the Vulcan Centaur is a symbol of our collective dreams and aspirations.
As I look at the photos and read the mission details, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and excitement for what the future holds. The sky is no longer the limit; it’s just the beginning.
