ULA sets December launch date for new Vulcan Centaur rocket after several delays

Launch of ULA's new Vulcan rocket delayed

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is pushing the launch of its new Vulcan rocket to later this year following an explosion during testing.

ORLANDO, Fla. - United Launch Alliance (ULA) has announced a launch date for its new Vulcan Centaur rocket after months of delays.

ULA said the first certification mission is now planned for Dec. 24 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Earlier this year, during its fifteenth test of the first stage of the two-stage, heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Vulcan ran into a technical issue involving a hydrogen leak that reached a tipping point four minutes into the test.

ULA has been troubleshooting the space company’s largest rocket for months. ULA says Vulcan will be available in four configurations and can have up to six solid rocket boosters.