US Space Force pauses Vulcan rocket missions after anomaly

The Pentagon is halting launches aboard the new ULA rocket until an issue observed during a recent national security mission is resolved.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Reports suggest that the U.S. Space Force is pausing missions on the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket until an anomaly observed during a February national security mission is resolved. A Space Force colonel said the Pentagon will not be launching missions on the Vulcan until the issue is solved, which could take months.

Why it matters

The move marks a significant setback for ULA, which had sought to ramp up Vulcan launches in 2026. The Vulcan is meant to replace ULA's Atlas V and retired Delta IV rockets as the company's main launch vehicle for both commercial and national security missions.

The details

During Vulcan's most recent launch in February, sparks were observed coming off the rocket mid-flight in what ULA confirmed was an anomaly. While the incident did not hinder the mission, it was similar to a previous anomaly seen on Vulcan's second flight in 2024. Investigators will review flight data and debris to identify the root cause before the next Vulcan mission.

  • The Vulcan rocket launched on February 12, 2026 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
  • The Space Force colonel said the missions will be paused until the anomaly is solved, which could take months.

The players

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

A joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin that provides launch services, including the Vulcan rocket.

U.S. Space Force

The military service responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.

Eric Zarybnisky

A colonel with the U.S. Space Force who said the Pentagon is halting launches aboard the Vulcan rocket until the observed anomaly is resolved.

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What they’re saying

“Until this anomaly is solved we will not be launching ... missions on the Vulcan”

— Eric Zarybnisky, Colonel, U.S. Space Force (Aviation Week, Breaking Defense)

What’s next

Investigators will begin reviewing flight data and available imagery, and send a recovery team to collect any debris in order to identify the root cause of the anomaly before the next Vulcan mission.

The takeaway

The pause in Vulcan rocket launches is a significant setback for ULA as it works to make the new rocket its primary launch vehicle. The investigation into the anomaly could take months, delaying critical national security missions and impacting ULA's launch cadence plans for 2026.