ULA postpones launch of Vulcan Centaur rocket under development for nearly 10 years because of test explosion
ULA has postponed the launch of the Vulcan rocket with the Centaur booster. The reason was an explosion that occurred during one of the recent tests.
Here's What We Know
During tests on March 29, 2023, there was a hydrogen leak in the upper stage upper stage booster engine. The rocket sustained damage after the explosion and may have to be repaired. In any case, the launch, scheduled for 4 May 2023, will not take place. ULA has postponed the launch until the summer, but the exact date is not yet known.
Outside of the test rig/stand. Test article is inside (you can't see it). Hydrogen leak. H2 accumulated inside the rig. Found an ignition source. Burned fast. Over pressure caved in our forward dome and damaged the rig. pic.twitter.com/0d0KpI1ggj
- Tory Bruno (@torybruno) April 13, 2023
Vulcan Centaur has been in development for 9 years. It will be a replacement for the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, which are equipped with Russian RD-180 engines. Vulcan uses the BE-4 propulsion system made by Blue Origin.
The ULA rocket will be able to orbit a payload of up to 7.7 tonnes. Vulcan is fueled by liquefied natural gas and liquid oxygen. The Centaur booster runs on liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
Source: space
