United Launch Alliance has picked Friday, Nov 13, for Vulcan’s return to flight. It will carry 40 Amazon Leo satellites.
Why it matters
Vulcan has been grounded since a Space Force launch earlier this year, when a solid rocket booster burned through its nozzle. The payload still reached orbit. It wasn’t the first SRB problem, either. A nozzle came off on the second flight in 2024. This one flies on two BE-4 engines, six SRBs and a Centaur V upper stage. It’s Amazon’s first Vulcan launch after eight on Atlas V.
My take
Friday the 13th doesn’t scare me. SRB nozzles do. Praying for a clean flight.
God Bless, and May the Source Be with You!
