Why is the US Space Force rethinking launch service procurement?

The Space Force is rethinking launch service procurement due to repeated grounding and booster anomalies with the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket.

What issues has the ULA Vulcan rocket experienced?

The Vulcan rocket has experienced two solid rocket booster anomalies, including a nozzle detaching, since its debut in January 2024.

What are the consequences of the Vulcan rocket's grounding?

The grounding has led to mission swaps from Vulcan to SpaceX's Falcon 9, and prompts a significant reevaluation of how the Pentagon buys launch services.

Home / Technology / ULA's Vulcan Failures Spark Pentagon Launch Rethink

ULA's Vulcan Failures Spark Pentagon Launch Rethink

16 Apr

•

Summary

Vulcan rocket experienced two booster anomalies in less than a year.
Space Force is reevaluating future launch service procurement strategies.
Mission swaps from Vulcan to SpaceX's Falcon 9 are increasing.

ULA's Vulcan Failures Spark Pentagon Launch Rethink

The US Space Force faces significant implications from the repeated grounding of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket. Following two booster anomalies since its January 2024 debut, the rocket is many months from returning to flight for military missions. Officials stated this experience "absolutely will shape" future Pentagon launch service procurements.

Roughly half of the Space Force's major launches are assigned to Vulcan over the next four years. However, issues with its solid rocket boosters, including a nozzle detaching in October 2024 and a similar problem in February 2026, have led to increased scrutiny. Consequently, the military is reevaluating launch assignments, with some GPS satellite missions already swapped to SpaceX's Falcon 9.