Configured for test. Being instrumented right now. Test stand is good. On track
@torybruno Hello Tory , other than tomorrow's launch, what's next on the agenda ? How's Vulcan Centaur coming along ? Also say hi to Obi wan, looks like you had a great trail ride the other day. 😎🚀
Vulcan booster is done and at the pad. Its centaur V is in the SOFI booth getting a cozy layer of insulation.
Sounds like pressure testing went well then I take it.
Yes
Bruno: "The replacement upper stage is built" for Vulcan's first flight and just passed a pressure test, in final assembly now.
ULA's Tory Bruno says the Vulcan Centaur, with modifications to the upper stage, will roll out to the pad in November for launch in December. #WSBW
Looks like a #VulcanRocket CERT1 Centaur V all snug in its cozy SOFI sweater.
Are you going to run the CERT1 Vulcan/Centaur through a WDR again before any launch attempts?
Probably
#vulcanRocket ‘s first flight CERT1 Centaur V is in IACO (final assembly)! (The world’s most advanced high energy upper stage must be properly accessorized…)
Meanwhile, the Structural Test Asset (STA) 1.5 has arrived at the test stand at NASA Marshal to finish up the qual tests on the internal bulkhead. #VulcanRocket
QuoteMeanwhile, the Structural Test Asset (STA) 1.5 has arrived at the test stand at NASA Marshal to finish up the qual tests on the internal bulkhead. #VulcanRocket
Centaur 5, in the end, turned out to be the real pacing item for Vulcan. At least the pacing item to the first launch. We'll see if there's another pacing item to reach orbit. - Ed Kyle
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/14/2023 10:12 amQuoteMeanwhile, the Structural Test Asset (STA) 1.5 has arrived at the test stand at NASA Marshal to finish up the qual tests on the internal bulkhead. #VulcanRocketIf they are only doing this now, I'd guess this was one of the later tests scheduled for the article that was destroyed in testing. I sure hope this goes without a hitch, or we could see more delays. Having only one test article seems risky in this way - if your one article fails destructively during the test sequence, your critical path is even longer than just rebuilding your test article. You also need to run the remaining tests. If there were two (or more) test articles, then you could finish the remaining tests while fixing the first problem. This both removes these tests from the critical path, and eliminates the risk of another last minute surprise.
This one is for just a handful of tests to complete what’s needed for CERT1. Another unit is finishing up fab and will pick up where we left off in March for a complete Fleet qual of all conceivable future missions and trajectories
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1702261820822536580QuoteThis one is for just a handful of tests to complete what’s needed for CERT1. Another unit is finishing up fab and will pick up where we left off in March for a complete Fleet qual of all conceivable future missions and trajectories
❗ANNOUNCEMENT! We've been informed by our launch services provider, United Launch Alliance (ULA), that the launch of the Vulcan Cert-1 mission (includes Tranquility & Enterprise Flights) is now scheduled for December 2023 - precise day is not yet available, but will soon follow.
Looks like Vulcan’s CERT1 (first flight) Centaur V in final assembly in the new CV IACO line at Decatur. #VulcanRocket . Vulcan is coming…
The reinforced dome is already tested and successfully qualified. We did that on the flight unit in Decatur. The other Centaur (formerly CERT2) is finishing up the qual for the (interior) intermediate bulkhead. Unit is on the stand at Marshall and proceeding well.
More progress on the #vulcan Flight 1 Centaur V
When are you planning to ship it to the Cape?
November
QuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches First Mission in Partnership with AmazonOctober 6, 2023[...]ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.
