Vulcan Rocket Suffers Solid Rocket Booster Issue During USSF-87 Launch

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United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket experienced an issue with one of its solid rocket boosters during the launch of the USSF-87 mission for the U.S. Space Force on February 12, 2026. An anomalous plume was visible from one of the Northrop Grumman-built solid rocket motors less than 30 seconds into the flight, causing the vehicle to roll more than usual. However, the Vulcan continued on its planned trajectory, and the boosters jettisoned as scheduled.

Why it matters

This is the second time in just four flights that ULA has encountered a problem with the solid rocket boosters on the Vulcan, raising concerns about the reliability of this critical launch component. The Vulcan is a key launch vehicle for the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office, so any issues could impact national security payloads.

The details

Shortly after liftoff, there appeared to be a burn through of one of the nozzles on a Northrop Grumman-built graphite epoxy motor (GEM) 63XL solid rocket booster. This caused the Vulcan to roll more than usual during its pitch over maneuver, but the rocket was able to counteract the anomaly. The solid rocket boosters then jettisoned as planned about 1 minute and 37 seconds into the flight.

• The Vulcan rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:22 a.m. EST (0922 UTC) on February 12, 2026.
• The issue with the solid rocket booster was observed less than 30 seconds into the flight.
• The solid rocket boosters jettisoned at T+ 1 minute, 37 seconds into the launch.

What’s next

ULA said it would be roughly 10 hours from liftoff until the end of the mission, so an update on the status of the USSF-87 payload may come later on Thursday.