The United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its first fully operational Vulcan rocket on August 12, 2025, carrying two military satellites into orbit as part of the USSF-106 mission for the U.S. Space Force. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first national security mission utilizing the Vulcan, alongside being ULA’s 101st national security launch.
Highlights of the Launch
The Vulcan rocket, measuring 198 feet tall, lifted off at 20:56 EDT from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was equipped with four solid-fuel strap-on boosters that provided additional thrust during takeoff. The rocket’s two methane-fueled BE-4 engines ignited and propelled the vehicle into an easterly trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean, creating a stunning visual display visible for miles.
Approximately 90 seconds after liftoff, the solid rocket boosters were jettisoned, followed by the first stage separation three and a half minutes into the flight. The Centaur second stage’s two hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines then took over, continuing the mission. However, due to military protocols, ULA ceased its launch commentary at this point, and the remainder of the flight was carried out under secrecy.
Payload Details and Future Implications
The mission is believed to have deployed at least two satellites, one of which was a classified spacecraft. The other, known as the Navigational Technology Satellite 3 (NTS-3), is an experimental satellite designed by L3Harris Technologies. NTS-3 will test advanced atomic clocks and navigation technology, aiming to enhance the accuracy and security of GPS data for military and commercial applications. This satellite operates from a geosynchronous orbit, positioned 22,300 miles above the equator, where it will appear stationary in relation to the Earth’s surface.
According to Joanna Hinks, a senior aerospace engineer with the Air Force Research Laboratory, “GPS is such an integral part of our lives today. With NTS-3, we are going to be experimenting with a number of different technologies that look at how we can continue to evolve and augment GPS to make sure that it remains the gold standard that our warfighters need.”
The launch is a pivotal moment for ULA as it transitions to an all-Vulcan fleet, replacing the retired Delta rockets and the Atlas 5, which has relied on a Russian-built RD-180 engine. This shift comes amid increasing pressure from Congress to eliminate reliance on foreign technology for national security missions. Currently, ULA has 13 Atlas 5 rockets remaining, all designated for civilian launches.
ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno emphasized the Vulcan’s capabilities, stating that it is specifically designed for launching high-mass payloads into difficult orbits without necessitating additional propulsion from the satellites themselves. The launch of the Vulcan rocket demonstrates ULA’s commitment to providing reliable solutions for U.S. military needs.
The company is expanding its ground infrastructure and anticipates conducting nine flights in 2025, with plans to reach a launch cadence of two missions per month by the end of the year. ULA aims to perform between 20 and 25 flights in 2026, solidifying its position in the competitive space launch market, where SpaceX currently leads with its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.
The successful deployment of the USSF-106 mission not only underscores ULA’s advancements with the Vulcan but also enhances the operational capabilities of the U.S. Space Force in ensuring national security in the increasingly contested domain of space.