ULA · United States · First flight 2024
ULA's next-generation launch vehicle replacing both Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy. Uses Blue Origin BE-4 methalox engines on the first stage and the proven Centaur V upper stage with RL-10C engines. One flight (the Cert-2 mission, October 2024) experienced a booster SRB nozzle anomaly but still achieved its intended orbit and was certified as a success by ULA and the U.S. Space Force. Designed for national security missions.
From SpaceNexus's launch tracker (tracked since Aug 13, 2025); outcomes recorded as each flight lands. Career totals above are the vehicle's full history.
| Height | 61.6 m |
| Diameter | 5.4 m |
| Liftoff mass | 546,700 kg |
| Stages | 2 |
| Engines | 2x BE-4 + 1-2x RL-10C |
| Propellant | CH4 / LOX (booster) + LH2 / LOX (upper) |
| Fairing diameter | 5.4 m |
| Payload to LEO | 27,200 kg |
| Payload to GTO | 12,350 kg |
| Payload to SSO | — |
| Payload to TLI | 8,900 kg |
| Reusable | No |
| First flight | 2024-01-08 |
| Last flight | Active |
| Variants seen on the manifest | Vulcan, Vulcan VC4L, Vulcan VC4S, Vulcan VC6L |
A dedicated Vulcan Centaur launch lists at roughly $110 million, about $4,044 per kilogram to low Earth orbit at full payload. Actual contract prices vary with orbit, integration and government requirements.
The next tracked Vulcan Centaur launch is SDA Tranche 2 Transport Layer B on Sep 30, 2026, 00:00 UTC from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Dates move; Mission Control carries the live countdown.
Vulcan Centaur has flown 3 times with 3 successes, 0 failures and 0 partial failures — a 100% success rate, with 3 consecutive successes at last count.
27,200 kg to low Earth orbit, 12,350 kg to geostationary transfer orbit, 8,900 kg to trans-lunar injection.