Story perspectives

Space Force Halts Vulcan Rocket Missions Amid Investigation

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Space Force has paused national security missions using United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket after a February 12 anomaly on the USSF-87 mission.
Col. Eric Zarybnisky said the investigation, resembling a prior defect, is ongoing and may take months.
USSF-87 delivered its payloads, including two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites (GSSAP), and the pause leaves SpaceX as the sole national security launch provider until Vulcan is cleared.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Space Force, established on December 20, 2019, evolved from military space programs initiated during the Cold War. The 1980s saw a renaissance in military space operations, culminating in the Gulf War, often dubbed the "first space war." Recent anomalies in missions underscore the reliance on private companies like SpaceX for national security, highlighting the ongoing need for rigorous safety protocols in space operations.

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Story summary

The U.S. Space Force has paused national security missions using United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket after a February 12 anomaly on the USSF-87 mission.
Col. Eric Zarybnisky said the investigation, resembling a prior defect, is ongoing and may take months.
USSF-87 delivered its payloads, including two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites (GSSAP), and the pause leaves SpaceX as the sole national security launch provider until Vulcan is cleared.

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