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Space Force welcomes new era with ULA's first Vulcan Centaur launch
This maiden flight of the Vulcan Centaur not only demonstrates ULA's expanding capabilities in space launch but also signifies a major step in the U.S. Space Force's ongoing efforts to secure and enhance America's position in the space domain.
Space Force welcomes new era with ULA's first Vulcan Centaur launch
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 08, 2024

Space Systems Command (SSC), a pivotal arm of the U.S. Space Force, has hailed the successful maiden voyage of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket. Brig. Gen. Kristin L. Panzenhagen, SSC's program executive officer for Assured Access To Space and commander of the 45th Space Launch Delta, expressed her elation over this achievement.

"This is a groundbreaking day, culminating years of technical collaboration and partnership to field a new launch system for the United States. Congratulations to United Launch Alliance on a successful first Vulcan Centaur launch. A strong, competitive launch market, servicing both government and commercial customers, supports continued innovation and our assured access to space," she stated.

The Vulcan Centaur launch represents not just a technical triumph but also a strategic shift for the Department of Defense. Panzenhagen emphasized its importance, noting, "Today's launch marks a new space launch capability that will complete the Department of Defense's transition from foreign engines and ensure the Joint Force's ability to achieve space superiority when necessary while also maintaining the safety, security, stability, and long-term sustainability of the space domain."

The ULA, a collaboration between aerospace giants Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space and Security, has been a key player in space launch services, primarily for the U.S. government. The introduction of the Vulcan Centaur into their fleet is a testament to their continued evolution and commitment to innovation in space technology.

This launch was notable not only for the Vulcan Centaur but also for its payload. It included Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander, underscoring the growing collaboration between governmental and private space entities. Moreover, the rocket also carried the Enterprise Flight, a Celestis Memorial Spaceflight mission, placing it into a stable solar orbit for an "endless journey through interplanetary space."

The SSC, as the field command of the U.S. Space Force, plays a crucial role in acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities for the nation's strategic advantage in space. With a significant budget of $15 billion for space acquisitions, SSC collaborates with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic institutions, and allied organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats. This event marks a significant milestone in advancing the United States' space launch capabilities, especially in transitioning from foreign engines to domestically developed systems.

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