ULA Prepares Test Fire of Its Vulcan Centaur Rocket; Second Attempt Since the Failed Launch Due to Engine Anomaly

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to conduct a crucial test fire of its next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket on June 7. The engine test called Flight Readiness Firing (FRF) will take place at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Force Station in Florida. Considered one of the most experienced space launch operators in the U.S., ULA will use a new space launch system to incorporate innovative technology to space missions.

New Attempt for a Rocket Maiden Launch

The United Launch Alliance initially scheduled the FRF on May 25, but it was canceled due to an observed technical issue with the engine ignition system. As a result, the Vulcan Centaur rocket was rolled off the pad into the Vertical Integration Facility hangar to undergo inspection and analysis.

The incident during the upper stage testing took place at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. A fireball was created when hydrogen leaked from the test article and ignited. The company investigated the source of the leakage, although it announced that no changes in the rocket's upper stage were needed.

If the second attempt of FRF succeeds, Vulcan Centaur can send off satellites into various locations above the Earth, such as the geosynchronous orbit. It can also launch the Peregrine lunar lander, a payload delivery module developed by Pittsburgh company Astrobotic, for exploration towards the moon.

According to ULA, the new rocket can lift satellites for NASA and other customers, such as U.S. Space Force (USSF), with less cost than its older rockets. It uses an initiative called sensible, modular, autonomous return technology (SMART) which allows the most expensive parts of the vehicle to be regained and restored for future use.

Vulcan Centaur is a 62-meter methane-fueled rocket set to replace Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles from the company's workhorses. Two BE-4 engines from Blue Origin power the first stage of Vulcan Centaur, while two RL-10 engines power its upper stage. The rocket also can accommodate up to six strap-on solid rocket boosters. The rocket can lift up to 7.7 tons of payload once it is launched and orbiting above the Earth.

The Role of Launch Service Providers in the Space Industry

Launch service providers (LSP) are companies responsible for operating and managing the launch of space vehicles into orbit. Their main goal is to provide the infrastructure, technology, and expertise to deliver payloads above the Earth.

Aside from launch vehicle development and operations, LSPs can perform various functions. They can maintain launch facilities and obtain licenses and permits from regulatory authorities. They can also provide clients and launch brokers with technical support and integration services.

A range of clients are catered to by LSPs, which include government agencies, research institutions, commercial entities, and satellite operators. As of today, launch service missions are carried out by top companies such as SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, and Roscosmos.

The space launch service industry continues to grow due to the increasing demand for payload launches from both commercial and government sectors. Its market size is expected to reach $29.6 billion by 2027.