Vulcan / launch vehicle
sourcingtypical 4/5 · 12 factsHeavy-lift launch vehicleUSAactive
Vulcan Centaur is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed and operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA). It is a two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle consisting of the Vulcan first stage and the Centaur V second stage. Replacing ULA's Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, it is principally designed to meet the needs of the National Security Space Launch program.
key specs
faq
Who builds Vulcan?
Vulcan is built by United Launch Alliance. (source, as of 2026-07-05)
How many times has Vulcan flown?
Vulcan has flown 4 times. (source, as of 2026-07-05)
When did Vulcan first fly?
Vulcan first flew on 2024-01-08. (source, as of 2026-07-05)
Is Vulcan reusable?
Vulcan is not reusable. (source, as of 2026-07-05)
facts
providerUnited Launch Alliance
countryUSA
classHeavy-lift launch vehicle
payload to LEO (kg)27200
reusableno
first flight2024-01-08
flights total4
flights successful4
last flight2026-02-12
next flightunknown
statusactive
price per launch (USD)110000000
diameter (m)5.4
events
- notable2026-07-02GAO flags cost overruns, schedule risk in Space Force satellites
sources
[1] ll.thespacedevs.com ↗
provider2026-07-05country2026-07-05reusable2026-07-05first flight2026-07-05last flight2026-07-05status2026-07-05diameter (m)2026-07-08
[2] en.wikipedia.org ↗
classwikipedia2026-07-05payload to LEO (kg)wikipedia2026-07-05flights totalwikipedia2026-07-05flights successfulwikipedia2026-07-05price per launch (USD)wikipedia2026-07-05