Space Force Mission Targets Thursday Launch as NASA Crew-12 Delayed

ULA's Vulcan rocket aims to set performance records on its Space Force mission

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The launch of NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station has been pushed back a second time, opening the door for a United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket to lift off for the U.S. Space Force on Thursday morning. ULA is targeting a launch window between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. ET on February 12 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with the goal of setting new records for the Vulcan rocket's performance and endurance as it carries hardware into an orbit over 22,000 miles above Earth.

Why it matters

This launch marks another milestone for the U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the military, as it continues to build out its capabilities. The delay of the NASA Crew-12 mission also highlights the challenges of coordinating complex space operations and the importance of backup launch windows.

The details

ULA's Vulcan rocket is a powerful new launch vehicle that is expected to surpass the performance of previous rockets. This mission will test the limits of the Vulcan's capabilities as it delivers critical hardware to a high-Earth orbit for the Space Force. The two-day delay of the NASA Crew-12 mission was due to unfavorable weather conditions at the launch site.

  • The ULA Vulcan rocket is targeting a launch window between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. ET on February 12, 2026.
  • The NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station has been delayed for a second time in as many days.

The players

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

A joint spacefaring venture primarily between Boeing and Lockheed Martin that is launching the Vulcan rocket for the U.S. Space Force.

U.S. Space Force

The newest branch of the U.S. military that is the customer for the ULA Vulcan rocket launch.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that is responsible for the delayed Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station.

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What’s next

If the ULA Vulcan rocket launch is successful on Thursday, it will mark a significant milestone for the U.S. Space Force as it continues to build out its capabilities.

The takeaway

This launch highlights the complex coordination required between different space agencies and military branches to execute successful missions, as well as the importance of backup launch windows to account for factors like weather delays.