Launch
ULA’s Vulcan set to return to flight with first Amazon Leo payload
NASASpaceflight · By Justin Davenport ·
The Brief
- ULA's Vulcan rocket is scheduled to return to flight after being grounded since February.
- The grounding was caused by recurring nozzle issues with the GEM-63XL solid rocket boosters.
- The first nozzle issue occurred in October 2024, and the return flight will carry the first Amazon Leo payload.
Why it matters
Vulcan's return to flight shows whether ULA's flagship launcher has resolved its recurring solid rocket booster nozzle problems. It also marks the first launch of Amazon Leo satellites on this vehicle.
Who’s affected
- launch industry observers
- anyone following the Amazon Leo satellite constellation
- #launch
- #rocket
- #vulcan
- #ula
- #satellites
- #amazon leo
United Launch Alliance’s current flagship launch vehicle, Vulcan, is scheduled to return to flight after being grounded since February due to recurring nozzle issues with the GEM-63XL solid rocket boosters. The first nozzle issue occurred in October 2024 during the rocket’s…