This shift may indicate concerns about Vulcan's reliability, which could impact United Launch Alliance's market share. The decision suggests NASA's preference for proven launch vehicles, which could benefit SpaceX in the competitive launch services market.
Space Agency Changes Launch Plans Amid Vulcan Uncertainty
A NASA science payload, originally slated to launch on a United Launch Alliance Vulcan, will now fly on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The change affects a US Space Force National Security Space Launch mission, with the Falcon Heavy set to carry the payload. The Vulcan, which debuted in January 2024, has not flown since the USSF-87 mission on February 12. The shift was reported by Aviation Week.
This shift may indicate concerns about Vulcan's reliability, which could impact United Launch Alliance's market share. The decision suggests NASA's preference for proven launch vehicles, which could benefit SpaceX in the competitive launch services market.
Space Agency Changes Launch Plans Amid Vulcan Uncertainty
A NASA science payload, originally slated to launch on a United Launch Alliance Vulcan, will now fly on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. The change affects a US Space Force National Security Space Launch mission, with the Falcon Heavy set to carry the payload. The Vulcan, which debuted in January 2024, has not flown since the USSF-87 mission on February 12. The shift was reported by Aviation Week.