ULA Vulcan Launches USSF Mission, Solid Booster Anomaly Under Investigation
Summary: A United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur launched a classified U.S. Space Force payload cluster (USSF/neighborhood-watch sats) but suffered a solid-rocket-booster anomaly post-liftoff that is now under investigation.
On 2026-06-17, the Vulcan Centaur rocket from United Launch Alliance lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, executing the classified USSF/neighborhood-watch mission to deliver a cluster of satellites to space-domain-awareness positions in the geosynchronous belt. The flight marked the latest USSF-series launch carried by Vulcan following its earlier national-security certifications.
Multiple media outlets, citing on-pad footage and official statements, reported that shortly after liftoff one of the two solid rocket boosters exhibited a performance anomaly. ULA and the U.S. Space Force have initiated a joint investigation to assess the nature, scope, and follow-up actions. As of publication, the deployment status of the primary payload and overall mission success had not been officially confirmed, pending agency review.
Solid rocket boosters on Vulcan are built by Northrop Grumman as the GEM 63XL, providing the primary thrust during liftoff and the early ascent phase. The booster has flown on multiple prior Vulcan national-security missions; conclusions from the current anomaly review will determine whether the upcoming Vulcan national-launch schedule requires adjustment.