• Space Force said it will not fly additional national security missions on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket until an investigation is completed into a performance anomaly during a Feb • The issue emerged shortly after liftoff on the USSF-87 mission,when observers noted what appeared to be an irregular plume or burn pattern from one of the Northrop Grumman-built GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters • The anomaly was reminiscent of Vulcan’s second flight in October 2024, when the nozzle of one of two strap-on boosters separated during ascent • In that case, the rocket compensated for the reduced thrust and completed its mission • A subsequent investigation found a manufacturing defect, which ULA said had been corrected • 12 flight, Vulcan again delivered its payload directly to geosynchronous orbit

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  • WASHINGTON - The U.S. Space Force said it will not fly additional national security missions on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket until an investigation is completed into a performance anomaly during a Feb. 12 launch. The issue emerged shortly after liftoff on the USSF-87 mission, when observers noted what appeared to be an irregular plume or burn pattern from one of the Northrop Grumman-built GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters. The anomaly was reminiscent of Vulcan’s second flight in October 2024, when the nozzle of one of two strap-on boosters separated during ascent. In that case, the rock

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