United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Next Generation Launch System (NGLS)

[merriman]

So... Vulcan will not recover the two BE-4's? The ammunition age continues! They -- the legacy aerospace companies AND NASA -- continue the buggy-whip line as the cars replace the horses. Take the pork out of this game and they'll wise up real quick. Or, go the way of the buggy-whip makers.

 

[Byeman]

So... Vulcan will not recover the two BE-4's? The ammunition age continues! They -- the legacy aerospace companies AND NASA -- continue the buggy-whip line as the cars replace the horses. Take the pork out of this game and they'll wise up real quick. Or, go the way of the buggy-whip makers.

There is no pork. Low cost is the key, not reusability. Reusability is only a means to achieve low cost.
But then again, the Navy doesn't train personnel to be knowledgeable about spaceflight.

 

[merriman]

You're much too kind, sir.

 

[Byeman]

I was wondering how Vulcan compares to the Delta IV Heavy the last of the Delta rocket family in terms of payload carrying capability? Would there be a future Heavy lift variant of the Vulcan to replace the Delta IV Heavy?

Vulcan can do the Delta IV Heavy mission with a single core and 6 SRM's with an enlarged upper stage due to come online in 2023 (after Delta IV Heavy is retired).

 

[Flyaway]

This might be a BE-4 issue & not a ULA one.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1303424878716964864

View: https://twitter.com/13ericralph31/status/1303424878716964864

I've also heard that ULA's first Vulcan Centaur launch is now tracking closer to Q4 2021 at the absolute earliest. Previous NET was July 2021.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1304225410415239174

View: https://twitter.com/erdayastronaut/status/1304225410415239174

@torybruno any comment on this? if true, it for sure would mean Vulcan doesn’t fly in 2021.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1304491712409108480

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1304491712409108480

I expect to fly in 2021. Don't know where this came from

https://twitter.com/x/status/1304229356932268032

View: https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1304229356932268032

12 months from now is September, 2020. That’s a reasonable NET date.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1304230318090719232

View: https://twitter.com/erdayastronaut/status/1304230318090719232

My brain 100% skipped the 12 month part and only read 18 months ‍ yeah my bet is that Vulcan will fly in 2021. Seems like @torybruno is going to make that happen.

 

[Flyaway]

https://flic.kr/p/2jT7zp5

View: https://flic.kr/p/2jT7zp5

 

[Flyaway]

I presume this includes Space Force block buy.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1325821296526184448

View: https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1325821296526184448

ULA’s Tory Bruno: we’ve sold more than 30 Vulcan launches already. Progress on the vehicle is going great. #WSBW

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1330889385303289864

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1330889385303289864

"ULA" can be seen from space on top of the CAT! The satellite's-eye view of SLC-41 shows #VulcanCentaur pad mods--liquefied natural gas ground systems, increased fuel & oxidizer storage capacity, an upgraded acoustic water suppression system & a renovated rail system Maxar

https://twitter.com/x/status/1333502238128545799

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1333502238128545799

Off to the pneumatic test facility! This time lapse really shows the size of the #VulcanCentaur booster stage as it was transported to pressure testing. The booster is 5.4 m (17.7 ft) in diameter compared to #AtlasV’s common core booster that is 3.8 m (12.5 ft).

 

[Flyaway]

Vulcan: Rehearsal helps shape new rocket's countdown formula

ULA launch team members conducted a simulated countdown Dec. 1 to test their work in crafting the procedures and timelines that will be used next year to launch the first Vulcan Centaur rocket.

www.ulalaunch.com

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1334527621695221765

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1334527621695221765

Here's some eye candy of our additively manufactured #VulcanCentaur Solid Rocket Motor clevis undergoing qual testing. AM was ideal for this complex, high load part. Note the cool speckle paint pattern that we use for real time imaging of deflections and strains.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336002283558072322

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336002283558072322

iSpy a pair of BE4 Path Finder engines at the Decatur Rocket Factory. #VulcanCentaur

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336004658050031617

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1336004658050031617

Is one of these the pathfinder delivered in July? When do you expect the first flight-qualified BE-4 to arrive?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336024208023969794

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336024208023969794

Yes. Next year

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336029664624701440

View: https://twitter.com/astrokevin_133/status/1336029664624701440

Will it be a complete pathfinder vehicle that ends up not flying like the old static fire Delta CBC at the AF Space Museum? Or are you installing these engines temporarily on a flight booster?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336058066652028928

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336058066652028928

Flight booster. The path finder BE4s will be swapped out for flight engines

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336058602608619520

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336058602608619520

Vulcan will fly next year when our customer, @astrobotic ,is ready with their, first ever, commercial Peregrine lunar lander

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336023223406911491

View: https://twitter.com/astro_karthik_/status/1336023223406911491

Will vulcan be used for human flights like dragon?

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336060298378293252

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336060298378293252

Maybe

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336058783831908353

View: https://twitter.com/voltikz/status/1336058783831908353

What exactly is the purpose of the path finder BE4s, are they fully functional or are they there to literally path find the plumbing and mounting for when the real engines come

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336062146854195204

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336062146854195204

They started at the dock in Decatur and will end beneath a Vulcan booster on the SLC41 pad at Cape Canaveral after a wet dress rehearsal, path finding everything in between.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336063166632095746

View: https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/1336063166632095746

Still planning for a Flight Readiness Firing at the end of pathfinder ops?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336064030298009602

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1336064030298009602

We'll do that with the flight engines

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1336346362414313472

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1336346362414313472

Prior to pressure testing, the liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks were joined together using circumferential stir welding to form the #VulcanCentaur booster stage. #CountdownToVulcan

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1338869079499821057

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1338869079499821057

Here’s a close up of the #VulcanCentaur booster stage before it was transported to the pneumatic test facility at our Decatur, AL factory. The booster tanks are constructed of orthogrid aluminum barrels and spun-formed aluminum domes.

Learn more: https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/vulcan-centaur

 

[Michel Van]

current state of assembly

https://twitter.com/x/status/1347942408676368386

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1347942408676368386

 

[Michel Van]

Video of Vulcan Assembly

https://twitter.com/x/status/1350099402891939841

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1350099402891939841

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1354205743461920771

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1354205743461920771

Vulcan is on the move! #VulcanCentaur Pathfinder Tanking Test (PTT) booster, fitted with a pair of #BE4 engines, is moving up for testing at the Rocket Factory in Decatur, AL #DYK: This PTT booster will someday fly to space! #CountdownToVulcan

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1355205526355849217

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1355205526355849217

Although it looks similar to the #AtlasV Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), the Vulcan Launch Platform (VLP) is purpose-built to accommodate #VulcanCentaur's much larger diameter and its use of liquefied natural gas as propellant. It stands 183 feet tall and weighs 1.3 million pounds.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1355267141864402947

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1355267141864402947

Thar she rolls!!! For the very first time, the brand new and much improved VLP (Vulcan Launch Platform) travels along 2.7 miles (4.3 km) of rail from the SPOC (Spaceflight Processing Operations Center) to the pad at Space Launch Complex-41. #ToryTimelapse

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1355260314846179329

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1355260314846179329?s=20

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360419921088364545

View: https://twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1360419921088364545

Vulcan is here!

ULA's Rocketship arrived at Port Canaveral around 8pm with the Vulcan Pathfinder Tanking Test booster. This test article will be used to verify the design and fit ahead of Vulcan's debut later this year!

And the tank will be used for some flight in the future!

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360613746041757696

View: https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/1360613746041757696

A test article for ULA’s Vulcan rocket has arrived at Cape Canaveral for pathfinder testing. Two BE-4 test engines on the rear. Here it is fresh off ULA’s RocketShip transport vessel.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360608058762788869

View: https://twitter.com/free_space/status/1360608058762788869

Vulcan Pathfinder with Blue Origin BE-4 engines heading to ULA Vertical Integration Facility

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360620098071977984

View: https://twitter.com/tgmetsfan98/status/1360620098071977984

Presenting the first Vulcan rocket stage. After pathfinder testing, those two Blue Origin BE-4 development engines will get replaced with flight engines, and this booster will launch to space!

 

[Flyaway]

As some have said online they might as well have called it Atlas VI going on the appearance.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360640446507155459

View: https://twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1360640446507155459

Ain’t she a beaut!

ULA’s next-gen rocket, #Vulcan, has arrived at the Cape for fit checks and tanking test. It’s so exciting to have a brand new rocket to light up the Space Coast!

The debut flight is set for later this year.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1360640458100203521

View: https://twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1360640458100203521

With the first stage powered by two Blue Origin BE-4 engines, #Vulcan will emit a beautiful blue flame as it pushes all sorts of scientific, commercial, and national security payloads to orbit.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361354715674607623

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1361354715674607623

For the first time, 2 solid rocket boosters undergoing casting at the same time—one GEM 63 for #AtlasV and one GEM 63XL for #VulcanCentaur! The GEM 63s from @NorthropGrumman builds flight experience in preparation for #VulcanCentaur’s first flight using GEM 63XLs!

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361368560027766790

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361368560027766790

A new era begins at Cape Canaveral's Vertical Integration Facility as we begin pathfinder operations with an actual #VulcanCentaur core stage. Follow along as we lift the rocket onto the Vulcan Launch Platform to prepare for launch pad testing this spring. #CountdownToVulcan

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361372071876526082

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361372071876526082

Today's operation, known as Launch Vehicle on Stand (LVOS), is testing the procedures, handling hardware and clearances for maneuvering the massive stage into the Vertical Integration Facility. It's all part of #CountdownToVulcan!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361375818853793793

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361375818853793793

#DYK? #VulcanCentaur is purpose-built to meet all of the challenging requirements demanded by U.S. national security space launches while being flexible and affordable. The single-core #VulcanCentaur has more lifting capacity than #DeltaIVHeavy at a fraction of the cost.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361378982810296324

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361378982810296324

This spring, the Vulcan Launch Platform will move the pathfinder rocket to Space Launch Complex-41 for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen fuel-loading trials. Those tests will demonstrate the pad's transformation into a dual-use site for #AtlasV and #VulcanCentaur.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361381620180262916

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361381620180262916

#VulcanCentaur combines the best of today's #AtlasV and #DeltaIVHeavy with the latest technology advancements to produce a single launch system that provides higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver ULA's unmatched reliability and precision.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361387341361913860

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1361387341361913860

Although designed to meet the difficult specifications of U.S. national security launches, #VulcanCentaur is well suited for commercial and civil markets, including launching dual-manifested payloads and missions across the solar system. The rocket has nearly 30 launches booked.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1361760041301200897

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1361760041301200897

Behold #VulcanCentaur! For the first time ever, our next-generation rocket is vertical on the Vulcan Launch Platform at Space Launch Complex-41! #ToryTimelapse #CountdownToVulcan

 

[Flyaway]

Vulcan: Pathfinder goes vertical for next testing phase

A pathfinder of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur, the new all-American rocket designed to meet the needs of U.S. national security space launches, now stands assembled for major launch pad testing.

www.ulalaunch.com

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1370209497357152267

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1370209497357152267

#VulcanCentaur for your viewing pleasure; joining Centaur V's massive intermediate bulkhead to its paper thin tank. The future of in-space transportation is near. More than double the energy, extreme duration. New missions now possible... #ToryTimelapse #CountdownToVulcan

 

[Grey Havoc]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmYJ1vdCrJQ

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1371458642248142850

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1371458642248142850

The first #VulcanCentaur fairings are undergoing testing at @BoeingSpace. The Out-of-Autoclave fairings are produced by our strategic partners @RUAGSpace and will attach to the top of Centaur V. Another step in the #CountdownToVulcan!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1376654999317590020

View: https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1376654999317590020

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1376973266238197762

View: https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1376973266238197762

Have you checked out ULA's new 7-episode #VulcanCentaur podcast yet?

Podcasts

www.ulalaunch.com

VULCAN CENTAUR: THE PODCAST
Join us as we sit down with the team that's bringing our newest rocket, Vulcan Centaur, to life.

Listen from this page or subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

Episode 1: The Future of Space Launch
Episode 2: Part 1 - Designing Solutions for the Nation's Most Critical Needs
Episode 3: Part 2 - Designing Solutions for the Nation's Most Critical Needs
Episode 4: Meet Our Rocket Scientist
Episode 5: Part 1 - Reaching New Heights
Episode 6: Part 2 - Reaching New Heights
Episode 7: T-Minus

 

[Grey Havoc]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQdWwFb6GW4

 

[Grey Havoc]

NASA adds Vulcan Centaur to launch services program catalog

Centennial CO (SPX) Apr 16, 2021 - NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has added United Launch Alliance's next generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, to the NASA Launch Services II (NLS) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contr

www.spacedaily.com

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1389594164132814854

View: https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1389594164132814854

United Launch Alliance COO John Elbon says the company's Vulcan rocket will be "ready by the end of this year" for its first launch.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1389632195967471625

View: https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1389632195967471625

 

[Michel Van]

ULA Vulcan is in Trouble

ULA has informed Space Force that USSF-51 mission has to be transferred to Atlas V Rocket
Do unable to launch the Mission on Vulcan in late 2022.
Why ?
Blue Origin is unable to provide qualified Flight BE-4 Engines for Vulcan !
The current BE-4 are pathfinder engines for GROUND TESTING ONLY.
While in interview Bezos confirmed that New Glenn will be ready only in 2023...

How far this will affect role of SpaceX ?
They could take majority of Security Space Launch Phase 2 contracts...

Source:

With ULA’s new rocket Vulcan behind schedule, Space Force agrees to let Atlas 5 fill in

What would have been the first national security mission for United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket will be flown by Atlas 5, the company confirmed May 19.

spacenews.com

 

[Moose]

Wonder if Bruno is having second thoughts about picking Blue Origin over AJR.