ULA, Vulcan, USSF-87, February 12, 2026

A composite image of stars behind a timelapse of the flight of Vulcan – USSF-87 Photo ©2026 Charles Boyer

United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Vulcan Centaur rocket early Thursday morning, carrying a national security payload for the U.S. Space Force on the USSF-87 mission.

Liftoff occurred at 4:22 AM ET from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, about midway through a two-hour window that opened at 3:30 AM.

Vulcan lifting off on the USSF-87 mission on February 12. Photo ©2026 Charles Boyer
A long exposure photograph of a rocket launch against a starry night sky, showing an arcing trail of light from the rocket and reflections in the water below.
A composite image of stars behind a timelapse of the flight of Vulcan – USSF-87 Photo ©2026 Charles Boyer

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