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ULA Vulcan Rocket Suffers Booster Problem While Launching Classified Space Force Payloads
- On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, ULA's Vulcan Centaur launched from SLC‑41 with a GEM 63XL booster showing a nozzle burn‑through, but flight continued nominally.
- The mission carried Northrop Grumman‑built GSSAP spacecraft and a classified ESPAStar deployable platform on a nearly 10‑hour mission to support space surveillance in geosynchronous orbit.
- Tracking footage filmed 3.9 miles west of SLC‑41 captured a fiery plume and sparks near the throat of one of four strap‑on solid rocket boosters less than 30 seconds after liftoff, with booster jettison after about 90 seconds.
- ULA said teams are reviewing telemetry and imagery and will establish a recovery team; the integrated U.S. government and contractor review team is involved, and U.S. Space Force directs any mishap investigation with System Delta 80 coordinating closely.
- Recurring nozzle issues, including the October 4, 2024 incident and a prior nozzle problem 16 months ago that delayed Vulcan certification, raise concerns as ULA's 2026 projection of 18 to 22 Vulcan launches climbs.
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Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch
A Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully launched two U.S. spy satellites on Feb. 12 despite suffering an anomaly with one of its solid rocket boosters, echoing the result of an October 2024 mission.
·United States
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Orlando SentinelReposted by 
Greater Milwaukee Today
Greater Milwaukee TodayULA Vulcan launch suffers fiery booster issue but makes it to space, company says
United Launch Alliance flew its Vulcan rocket for only the fourth time early Thursday, but suffered yet another fiery burn through on one of its solid rocket boosters during a national security mission.
·Orlando, United States
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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