ULA's Newest Launch Vehicle Has Another SRB Anomaly While Completing Its Fourth Flight to Earth Orbit...

United Launch Alliance

U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and United Launch Alliance Successfully Launch USSF-87 Mission Aboard a Vulcan Rocket (News Release - February 12)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 80 (SYD 80) and its mission partners successfully completed a National Security Space Launch (NSSL) after a pre-dawn liftoff at 4:22 a.m. EST (1:22 a.m. PST) today aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This was the second NSSL mission for ULA’s Vulcan rocket.

“We’re proud of everyone and the work they’ve done to make today’s launch a success and increase America’s warfighting capability.” said Mr. Stephen Burke, Vulcan System Program Director.

The Vulcan rocket successfully delivered the mission to the designated orbits despite an observed anomaly early in flight on one of the four solid rocket motors. The USSF SYD 80 team will work closely with ULA per our mission assurance space flightworthiness process before the next Vulcan national security space mission.

The USSF-87 mission included a variety of payloads that will not only advance space technology but also benefit current and future programs of record. The Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) space system is a capability supporting the U.S. Space Command’s space surveillance operations as a high-performance, dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor. Built by Northrop-Grumman, it was deployed approximately 6.5 hours after liftoff.

The system was delivered to orbit by ULA’s Vulcan in the “VC4S” configuration, featuring a Centaur V upper stage, four solid rocket motors and a standard payload fairing. It capitalizes on ULA’s industrial base to deliver highly-capable solutions that achieve space dominance for our national security.

In addition to GSSAP, USSF-87 included additional research, development and training systems, which Guardians will use to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for precision on-orbit maneuvers. These systems will also enhance and validate resiliency and protection in geosynchronous orbit.

Systems Delta 80 (SYD 80) -- who directed today’s mission -- executes the U.S. Space Force's core function of Space Access, performing space lift and range control missions in close partnership with the 30th and 45th Space Launch Deltas (SLD 30, SLD 45). Additionally, the Delta develops resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to expand U.S. economic, technological and scientific leadership. Furthermore, SYD 80 delivers servicing, mobility and logistics capabilities that operate in, from and to the space domain.

Source: Space Systems Command

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United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket today successfully launched national security spacecraft into geosynchronous orbit, including a "neighborhood watch" mission to patrol the strategic high ground of space.

Despite the solid rocket motor performance anomaly, the Vulcan… pic.twitter.com/HQCOquvofZ

— ULA (@ulalaunch) February 12, 2026

The Vulcan vehicle rolls during its wild ride to orbit in this tracking video captured south of the launch site by Max Q Productions @CarstensPete pic.twitter.com/FvmkrvJYnz

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) February 12, 2026