Latest news with #SpaceSystemsCommand
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Secret US military space mission aboard Vulcan Rocket sparks strange light sightings across US skies
The US Space Force's Space Systems Command partnered with United Launch Alliance (ULA) for the inaugural National Security Space Launch mission using a Vulcan VC4S (Vulcan with Centaur upper stage and four solid rocket motors) rocket on Aug. 12 at 8:56 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Spacecraft separation, signaling mission success, occurred approximately seven hours after liftoff into geosynchronous Earth orbit. Also read: China's military says it 'drove away' US destroyer in waters of Scarborough Shoal by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo 'It's an exciting day for us as we launched the first NSSL flight of Vulcan, an outstanding achievement for United Launch Alliance and the nation's strategic space lift capability. This is an important milestone for the Space Force and all involved,' said Col. Jim Horne, USSF-106 mission director, , as stated in the US Space Force press release released by the Space Systems Command. The USSF is leveraging the newly certified Vulcan Centaur rocket to deliver demonstrations and experiments to geosynchronous orbit on behalf of Department of Defense customers. The mission's primary experiment, Navigation Technology Satellite-3, is an Air Force Vanguard project led by the Air Force Research Laboratory and built by L3Harris Technologies. The payload includes a secondary adapter demonstrating resilient satellite navigation through reprogrammable signals, an electronically steerable antenna, and advanced timekeeping algorithms. Live Events Strange light displays reported across Eastern and Midwestern US Shortly after the Vulcan rocket's launch, residents from New York to the Midwest reported seeing strange light formations in the night sky. The bright, cloud-like spirals and shimmering shapes led some to speculate about unidentified flying objects before officials confirmed the source as the classified USSF-106 mission. "Rocket launch? During my search for meteor showers on the Island's North Shore, this appeared, and it crossed the Long Island Sound. It lasted several minutes. When I noticed it, I believed it was a rocket that was launched from Florida, but I did not know for sure. I found out later that it was a rocket," said Don Manchester of Long Island. The timing coincided with the Perseid meteor showers, amplifying the visual spectacle for many viewers. National security significance of Vulcan program United Launch Alliance President and CEO Tory Bruno described Vulcan as 'a catalyst to supporting national defense in the strategic warfighting domain of space.' He added, 'Vulcan is the world's most capable, high energy orbit rocket meeting the demand for expanding space competencies. Vulcan provides flexibility to our nation's decision makers as we combat our adversaries attempts to disrupt the US in space operations. This launch begins a new era in national space security.' Also read: Exact coordinates out! When and where will Trump and Putin meet in Alaska, and what it means The rocket traveled approximately 22,000 miles during its mission. Assured Access to Space, a Space Force function, secures reliable launch services to deploy space-based capabilities for US warfighters, intelligence professionals, and allies. Space Systems Command manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget, working with joint forces, industry partners, and allied nations to protect America's strategic advantage in space.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Vulcan Rocket Ushers in New Era of National Security Space Launch
First National Security Space Launch aboard Vulcan rocket deliversUSSF-106 spacecraft directly to GEO CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket carrying the USSF-106 mission for the United States Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) lifted off on Aug. 12 at 8:56 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission marks the first National Security Space Launch aboard the next-generation Vulcan rocket. "National security begins at liftoff," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Vulcan did exactly what it was built to do: deliver a critical mission with power, precision and confidence. We are proud to play a role in strengthening the nation's space capabilities." Standing at 202 feet tall and weighing 1.74 million pounds, the Vulcan configuration is enabled by the powerful Centaur V upper stage, which has 2.5 times the energy and 450 times the endurance of its predecessors. Centaur V delivered the USSF-106 spacecraft directly to the Geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). "Vulcan is a catalyst to supporting national defense in the strategic warfighting domain of space," said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. "Vulcan is the world's most capable, high energy orbit rocket meeting the demand for expanding space competencies. Vulcan provides flexibility to our nation's decision makers as we combat our adversaries attempts to disrupt the U.S. in space operations. This launch begins a new era in national space security." ULA has served as the launch backbone for our past national security space missions having successfully launched nearly all of the 132 critical missions to orbit for the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office since the company's founding in 2006. This legacy, built on Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV rockets, now continues with Vulcan. ULA's next launch is the third Atlas mission for Amazon's Project Kuiper, Kuiper 3, which will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. For two decades, ULA has served as the custodian of America's national security space mission. Our rockets fly to the most challenging and exotic orbits the nation requires, while delivering the most accurate payload insertions in the world. ULA continues to carry this unique capability forward with the new Vulcan rocket, the latest and most advanced vehicle of this type. Utilizing an innovative, modular architectural approach, Vulcan has expanded into the commercial LEO marketplace, providing efficient access to all orbits into the foreseeable future. With even more innovative technology on our horizon, the sky is definitely not the limit. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at and join the conversation on social media @ulalaunch. Mission WebpageMission Photo Album View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE United Launch Alliance (ULA) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
ULA Vulcan launch today: Everything to know about USSF-106 launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida
Space fans on Florida's Space Coast may see a sunset United Launch Alliance rocket launch tonight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ULA is targeting an hourlong window from 7:59 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. to launch a 202-foot Vulcan rocket with six solid rocket boosters from Launch Complex 41. Sunset will occur at 8:04 p.m., per The Old Farmer's Almanac The Vulcan will follow a due-east trajectory during the USSF-106 national security mission for the Space Force's Space Systems Command. The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicted 80% odds of "go for launch" weather, citing cumulus clouds and a low-to-moderate risk of solar activity as low-probability risks. No Brevard County sonic booms should occur. Check back for live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team launch coverage updates on this page, starting about two hours before the launch window opens. When ULA's live webcast begins about 7:39 p.m., we'll post it below next to our countdown clock. Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral Countdown Timer For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: ULA Vulcan rocket launch today: What to know before liftoff from Florida Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ULA announce Space Force launch set for August 12
(WHNT) — United Launch Alliance has announced plans for the first national security launch of its Vulcan Rocket as part of a Space Force mission scheduled for next week. In a post on social media, ULA announced plans to launch a Vulcan rocket carrying the U.S. Space Force-106 mission for the United States Space Force's Space Systems Command on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Father and son killed in Huntsville house fire ULA said the launch will be the first national security space launch aboard the Vulcan rocket. According to ULA, the rocket will deploy USSF-106 directly to geosynchronous orbit using the Centaur V upper stage. 'ULA continues to be a steadfast partner to the Space Force, fulfilling the rigorous, unique requirements needed to launch tremendous capabilities into space for national defense and the protection of our nation's allies around the world,' The company said. ULA said the launch is set to take place from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, pending final range approval. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Lockheed Martin awarded $509.76M Air Force contract modification
Lockheed Martin (LMT) has been awarded a $509.76M modification to a previously awarded contract for Global Positioning System III Follow-On Space Vehicles 21 and 22. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $4.1B. Work will be performed at Littleton, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by November 2031. Fiscal 2025 missile procurement funds in the amount of $55.04M are being obligated at time of award. The Space Systems Command is the contracting activity. Confident Investing Starts Here:
