12 February 2026 In 2008, the Vulcan rocket was launched from the Cape Canaveral spaceport. Despite the problem with the solid fuel accelerator, it launched cargo for the US Space Force into geosynchronous orbit. A version of the rocket in a high-performance configuration with four solid-fuel rocket boosters was involved for the mission, who worked approx 90 seconds, before separating from the main degree. Observers noted an anomaly in the form of an irregular burning pattern of one of them, which was accompanied by a plume of debris. The ULA launch operator later confirmed the incident and reported, that experts are studying launch data.
For reference: ULA is a joint venture between divisions of two American companies: Lockheed Martin Space Systems та Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The company was created in 2006 year for the purpose of manufacturing and launching launch vehicles and spacecraft for the US Federal Government.
The main payload of the mission was a pair of GSSAP satellites. They are built by Northrop Grumman and equipped with optical sensors, intended for tracking
and characteristics of objects in and around geosynchronous orbit. The system provides information on activities in the vicinity of US and allied spacecraft. A secondary payload was also on board the rocket: ESPA movable ring, which is a modified version of the standard EELV adapter — a ring-shaped design, which was originally designed to carry secondary payloads during military launches. Unlike a passive adapter, ESPA has its own power source and maneuverability.
According to the cargo manifest, payloads are placed on board ESPA, intended for conducting research.
Source: https://universemagazine.com