[ad_1]
United Launch Alliance Conducts Successful Flight Readiness Firing Test
United Launch Alliance (ULA) recently completed the Flight Readiness Firing (FRF) test for its new Vulcan Centaur rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41. The test aimed to validate the fully integrated first and second stages of the rocket by running through a launch timeline, propellant load, and countdown, culminating with the ignition of its two BE-4 engines made by Blue Origin for about six seconds. The rocket did not lift off of the pad during the test, and the FRF was called off two weeks ago due to a delay in the booster engine ignition system used to power up the engines. The rocket was rolled back to the Vertical Integration Facility at the Cape for further analysis and was sent back to the launch pad after the issue was addressed.
Bad Weather Delays the Hot Fire of the Engines
The much-awaited Flight Readiness Firing test of the new Vulcan Centaur rocket was delayed for about three hours due to bad weather on the Space Coast. However, the test was successfully conducted at 9:05 p.m. after the weather cleared up.
Quotes from ULA Leadership on the Successful Test
The successful test was a big moment for ULA’s Vulcan development team, and Mark Peller, the company’s vice president of Vulcan development, said, It’s one of the last significant milestones on the path to launch, so it’s tremendously gratifying. ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno also congratulated the team on Twitter, saying, Thanks. Loved that BE4 blue fire.
Vulcan Centaur’s Launch Date and Payloads
Bruno indicated last month that the launch of the rocket won’t happen until at least July as it is dependent on completion of the firing test and an investigation after a destructive incident during a previous test. Certification-1’s primary payload is the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander on what will be the first of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) missions to the moon. Vulcan is also carrying the first two satellites of Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation, along with the ashes of over 150 people, including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and actor James Doohan who played Scotty on the TV series and movies.
ULA’s Future Launch Plans and Responsibilities
ULA’s launch docket is substantial in the coming years if the Vulcan Centaur rocket becomes operational. Amazon signed contracts with ULA, Blue Origin, and Arianespace to fly up to 83 launches to build out its Project Kuiper constellation by 2028. Vulcan is expected to have 38 launches in addition to nine Atlas V launches already planned, which means that ULA will be responsible for launching more than half of the planned 3,236 internet satellites. Blue Origin is building out enough BE-4 engines for the one-time use rockets while also needing to supply its own in-development New Glenn rockets that use seven BE-4’s each.
Conclusion
The successful Flight Readiness Firing test marks a significant milestone for United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. The upgraded launch system is crucial for future space missions, including the first-ever commercial lunar landing, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper Internet satellite constellation. It is essential the team resolves any issues in preparation for the Certification-1 launch in the coming weeks.
FAQs
What is the Flight Readiness Firing Test?
The Flight Readiness Firing test validates the fully integrated first and second stages of the rocket by running through a launch timeline, propellant load, and countdown, culminating with the ignition of its engines for approximately six seconds.
Why was the FRF test delayed?
The FRF test was delayed due to bad weather on the Space Coast.
What were the quotes from ULA leadership regarding the successful test?
Mark Peller, ULA’s vice president of Vulcan development, said, It’s one of the last significant milestones on the path to launch, so it’s tremendously gratifying. ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno also congratulated the team on Twitter, saying, Thanks. Loved that BE4 blue fire.
What payloads will the Vulcan Centaur carry on its first-ever flight?
The primary payload on the first-ever flight will be the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander on what will be the first of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) missions to the moon. Vulcan is also carrying the first two satellites of Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation, along with the ashes of over 150 people, including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and actor James Doohan who played Scotty on the TV series and movies.
What is ULA’s future launch plan and responsibilities?
The Vulcan Centaur rocket is expected to have 38 launches in addition to nine Atlas V launches already planned. Blue Origin is building out enough BE-4 engines for the one-time use rockets while also needing to supply its own in-development New Glenn rockets that use seven BE-4’s each.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link