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ULA's Vulcan Rocket Suffers Anomaly During Military Satellite Launch
The rocket experienced a similar issue with one of its solid rocket boosters during a previous test flight.
Feb. 13, 2026 at 7:55pm
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A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket experienced an anomaly shortly after liftoff while delivering a U.S. Space Force satellite to geosynchronous orbit. Social media users captured footage of an unusual plume of debris escaping one of the rocket's solid rocket boosters, reminiscent of an issue that occurred during a previous Vulcan test flight.
Why it matters
The Vulcan rocket is a critical launch vehicle for the U.S. military's national security missions, and any anomalies during launch could raise concerns about the rocket's reliability and safety. This is the second time the Vulcan has experienced a booster issue, which previously caused delays in the rocket's certification process.
The details
Shortly after the Vulcan Centaur rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, an unusual plume of debris was seen escaping one of the solid rocket boosters. ULA later confirmed that the rocket suffered a "significant performance anomaly" on one of the four solid rocket motors, though the booster and upper stage still managed to deliver the satellite to its intended orbit. ULA stated it will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the root cause and implement any necessary corrective actions before the next Vulcan mission.
- The Vulcan Centaur rocket launched at 4:22 a.m. ET on February 13, 2026.
- In October 2024, the Vulcan rocket experienced a similar anomaly with one of its solid rocket boosters during a previous test flight.
The players
United Launch Alliance (ULA)
A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing that develops and operates heavy-lift launch vehicles, including the Vulcan Centaur rocket.
U.S. Space Force
The space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for national security space programs.
What they’re saying
“Uhhh....that's not great. Looks like Vulcan may have lost one of its SRB nozzles again... A burnthrough happens at T+0:29, and then looks like the full nozzle falls off at T+1:06. Vulcan also had this issue on the Certification-2 mission.”
— Lukas C. H.
“Early during flight, the team observed a significant performance anomaly on one of the four solid rocket motors. Despite the observation, the Vulcan booster and Centaur performed nominally and delivered the spacecraft directly to geosynchronous orbit. We will conduct a thorough investigation, identify root cause, and implement any corrective action necessary before the next Vulcan mission.”
— Gary Wentz, Vice President of Atlas and Vulcan Programs, ULA
What’s next
ULA will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the root cause of the anomaly and implement any necessary corrective actions before the next Vulcan mission.
The takeaway
The Vulcan rocket's booster anomaly raises concerns about the reliability and safety of this critical launch vehicle for the U.S. military's national security missions, especially given a similar issue that occurred during a previous test flight. ULA's investigation and any corrective actions will be closely watched to ensure the Vulcan's readiness for future national security launches.
