Booster nozzle anomaly fails to stop ULA Vulcan Centaur reaching orbit
The Register
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur successfully reached orbit on February 12 despite encountering a significant technical issue during its launch from Cape Canaveral. One of the four solid rocket boosters experienced a nozzle burn-through, causing fragments to detach mid-flight and creating a dramatic display for viewers. Despite this anomaly, the mission was deemed a success, with the US Space Force payload successfully delivered to geosynchronous orbit. This incident marked the second time in 2024 that a booster nozzle issue occurred during a Vulcan Centaur launch, though previous missions have shown resilience in handling such anomalies.
The Vulcan Centaur is a heavy-lift rocket designed for complex space missions, powered by Blue Origin BE-4 engines and augmented by GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters. The asymmetric thrust caused by the malfunction was counteracted by the rocket's systems, allowing it to maintain its trajectory and deliver the payload as planned. ULA has yet to determine the root cause of the nozzle failure but has pledged a thorough investigation before proceeding with future missions. This incident raises questions about potential delays for upcoming launches, including those for Amazon's Project Kuiper, which aims to deploy a constellation of satellites.
The success of this mission highlights the resilience and adaptability of modern rocket systems in overcoming technical challenges. While anomalies like booster nozzle failures are rare, they underscore the importance of rigorous testing and investigation in ensuring the safety and reliability of space launches. The Vulcan Centaur's ability to compensate for the anomaly demonstrates advancements in rocket design and control systems, which are critical for meeting growing demands in satellite deployment and deep-space exploration.
In a broader context, the February 12 launch occurred alongside another major milestone: Arianespace's Ariane 6 rocket successfully deployed 32 Amazon Leo satellites into orbit. These concurrent efforts underscore the intense activity in the global space industry, driven by both government and private sector initiatives. As companies like ULA continue to innovate and overcome technical hurdles, the future of space exploration and satellite technology looks increasingly promising.
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Originally published on The Register on 2/13/2026