active New Space · USA
Vulcan Centaur
ULA · operator profile
ULA's next-generation launcher replacing Atlas V and Delta IV. ACES upper stage with 12-hour restart capability. Certified for national security missions.
Specifications
Height
61.6 m
Diameter
5.4 m
Payload to LEO
27.2 t
Payload to GTO
18.1 t
Thrust at liftoff
16,500 kN
Stages
2
Reusable
No
First flight
2024
Propellant
Methane/LOX + APCP SRBs
Frequently asked about Vulcan Centaur
- When did Vulcan Centaur first fly?
- Vulcan Centaur had its first flight in 2024, operated by ULA. Current status: active.
- What's the payload capacity of Vulcan Centaur?
- Vulcan Centaur can lift up to 27.2 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18.1 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- How tall is Vulcan Centaur?
- Vulcan Centaur stands 61.6 metres tall with a diameter of 5.4 metres. Total thrust at liftoff: 16,500 kN across 2 stages.
- Is Vulcan Centaur reusable?
- No, Vulcan Centaur is expendable — boosters and upper stages are not recovered for reflight.