ULA Successfully Launches Vulcan Rocket on Cert-2 Mission at 7:25 a.m. EDT

Oct 4, 2024, 10:23 AM

United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its Vulcan rocket on the Cert-2 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch, initially scheduled for 6:00 a.m. EDT, was delayed and eventually took place at 7:25 a.m. EDT. The Cert-2 mission is the second and final certification flight for the Vulcan rocket, designed to fulfill flight test obligations and complete its certification process. The rocket carried an inert payload and demonstrated future Centaur V technologies. The first main engine cutoff (MECO-1) was confirmed for the Centaur V upper stage, and the rocket achieved a preliminary Earth orbit before proceeding to an Earth-escape injection. The rocket's velocity exceeded 12,000 mph and later 14,500 mph during the mission.