Vulcan Rocket Launches Successfully Despite Booster Burn-Through

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A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully launched on Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, despite an observed issue with one of its boosters shortly after liftoff. The launch carried a classified payload for the U.S. Space Force, marking the beginning of the USSF-87 mission, which aims to enhance U.S. Space Command's space surveillance capabilities.

Why it matters

The successful launch of the USSF-87 mission, even with the observed booster issue, highlights the increasing importance of space-based surveillance for national security. As more nations and private companies launch satellites, the risk of collisions and interference in orbit grows, making enhanced situational awareness critical.

The details

The primary goal of the USSF-87 mission is to deploy two satellites dedicated to the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), which acts as a 'neighborhood watch' in geosynchronous orbit, improving flight safety for all nations operating in space. An apparent burn-through was observed near the nozzle of one of the rocket's four solid rocket motors approximately 20 seconds after launch, but ULA stated that the team is currently reviewing the data and that the launch proceeded as planned.

• The Vulcan Centaur rocket launched on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
• The observed booster burn-through occurred approximately 20 seconds after liftoff.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Vulcan Centaur rocket is designed to replace ULA's Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, offering a more affordable and capable launch solution for both national security and commercial payloads. The GSSAP program is likely to expand in the coming years, with additional satellites being launched to provide even more comprehensive coverage of geosynchronous orbit.