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Space Force Delays Vulcan Rocket Launches by Six Months

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Space Force officials are revising launch plans after a booster anomaly sidelined United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket, potentially delaying Vulcan launches by six months after the USSF-87 mission.
The payload from the USSF-87 mission reached geosynchronous orbit despite the anomaly.
The Space Force reassigned one GPS satellite launch to SpaceX and is exploring other options for upcoming missions.
Assistant Secretary Thomas Ainsworth says critical capabilities must be maintained while the investigation continues.

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Story summary

Space Force officials are revising launch plans after a booster anomaly sidelined United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket, potentially delaying Vulcan launches by six months after the USSF-87 mission.
The payload from the USSF-87 mission reached geosynchronous orbit despite the anomaly.
The Space Force reassigned one GPS satellite launch to SpaceX and is exploring other options for upcoming missions.
Assistant Secretary Thomas Ainsworth says critical capabilities must be maintained while the investigation continues.