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Vulcan Launches USSF-87 on Direct-to-GEO Mission as ULA Probes Solid-Booster Anomaly

ULA says the rocket stayed on course, with an investigation of the solid‑booster anomaly to precede the next flight.

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A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy leaps from its launch pad April 9, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was the final payload for the venerable launch vehicle.
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Overview

  • The Vulcan Centaur lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 4:22 a.m. ET on Feb. 12, marking the rocket’s fourth flight and second National Security Space Launch mission.
  • ULA reported an apparent nozzle burn-through on one of four Northrop Grumman GEM‑63XL solid rocket boosters about 20 seconds after liftoff, with tracking cameras showing an irregular plume and brief roll before normal SRB separation.
  • ULA said the booster and Centaur upper stage maintained a nominal trajectory on the roughly 10‑hour, direct‑to‑geosynchronous profile.
  • The payloads include Space Force’s GSSAP system built by Northrop Grumman and a propulsive ESPA ring hosting research, development and training payloads for operations in GEO.
  • ULA characterized the booster issue as a significant performance anomaly and said government and contractor teams will review data, examine any recovered debris and implement corrective actions, with potential impacts to a planned 2026 cadence of 18–22 launches not yet known.