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.
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.
One of the good guys in spaceflight, Tory Bruno, has resigned his post as Chief Executive Officer at United Launch Alliance. Bruno, 64, is leaving to pursue an unnamed opportunity at another company — which also was not named.
In his nearly twelve-year tenure, Bruno guided ULA through a sea change in the space industry: first and foremost, ULA lost its near-monopoly in launch services thanks to the rise of SpaceX. Secondly, it was essentially forced to retire its Atlas V rocket due to its Russian-built RD-180 engines on the booster.
Starting in 2024, ULA designed and built the Vulcan heavy-lift booster, with Bruno making the key decision to use Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine. At the time, that decision was a bit controversial: Blue Origin was an unproven company, the BE-4 was in mid-development, unqualified, and not yet in production or sold commercially. ULA and Bruno stuck to their guns, and Vulcan first launched in 2024, becoming the first company to achieve orbit with Methalox rocket engines in so doing.
The second launch of Vulcan slowed any momentum the company had. While CERT-2 was a successful mission, one of its GEM-64XL solid rocket boosters experienced an anomaly, resulting in the loss of its nozzle. The ascent continued despite this problem, with the booster burning longer than planned to compensate for the loss of thrust from the defective SRB.
After an investigation and subsequent certification of Vulcan by the US Space Force, ULA launched its first commercial mission aboard the new vehicle in August, which flew straight and true on its way to delivering the USSF-106 payload to orbit.
Bruno also lead the company through the crew-rating process of Atlas V, culminating with the launch of the Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test mission that launch in June, 2024. It was the first time that ULA had launched crew.
| Category | Position / Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Launch industry | President & Chief Executive Officer (Aug. 2014 – Dec. 22, 2025) | United Launch Alliance (ULA) |
| Defense/space programs | Vice President & General Manager, Strategic and Missile Defense Systems | Lockheed Martin |
| Defense/space programs | Vice President & General Manager, Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Programs | Lockheed Martin |
| Defense/space programs | Vice President, THAAD Missile | Lockheed Martin |
| Engineering leadership | Vice President, Engineering | Lockheed Martin |
| Engineering leadership | Chief Engineer, Strategic Missile Programs | Lockheed Martin |
| Propulsion | Program Manager, FBM Rocket Propulsion | Lockheed Martin |
| Engineering | Engineering roles (control systems for rockets and hypersonic reentry vehicles) | Lockheed Martin |
| Corporate governance | Board Member (former) | Lockheed Martin U.K. Ltd. |
| Space policy / advisory | Member, National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group | National Space Council |
| Space policy / advisory | Member, Defense Innovation Board Space Advisory Committee | U.S. Department of Defense |
|
Note: Roles reflect publicly listed bios; many Lockheed Martin positions are commonly cited without consistent start/end dates across sources.
As of: [auto] (America/Chicago) |
||
Tory Bruno has also been a semi-prolific poster on social media, giving updates during countdowns, reposting photos and videos and interacting with the space aficionado community, probably to his own vexation.
Bruno’s commentary will be missed, and personally, this writer hopes Tory continues posting on X and other platforms. Wherever his next destination is, he will surely have worthwhile opinions and updates on his horses.
ULA COO John Elbon was named as the Interim CEO in a press release issued today. John Elbon is the chief operating officer for United Launch Alliance (ULA). Before his new role, Elbon was responsible for the operations of the Atlas, Delta, and Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle programs, including design, engineering, integration, production, quality assurance, and program management.
Before joining ULA, Elbon held the role of vice president and program manager for Boeing’s Commercial Programs. There, he oversaw Boeing’s work on NASA’s Commercial Crew Space Act Agreements, including leadership of the first two phases of the Commercial Crew Development program.
On an Atlas V 551 rocket, United Launch Alliance successfully launched the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for Viasat, Inc. Liftoff was at 10:04 p.m. ET from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission was a success.
This launch concluded a rare day at The Cape: two different rockets from two different manufacturers launching on the same day, with none of them being a Falcon 9. SpaceX is well known for launching twice in one day from the Eastern Range, but this time was a bit different: Blue Origin was launching New Glenn for only the second time, and later, ULA was launching Atlas V on its last mission past low-earth orbit. There are only 11 launches left for Atlas V: six Starliner flights (if they happen) and five Project Kuiper (now Amazon LEO) missions.
In a post-flight press release, Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Program said, “At ULA, we pride ourselves in delivering our customer’s spacecraft precisely to orbit and serving as the catalyst for our customers to enable global connectivity. We partner in the shared goals of connecting the world and this successful launch aligns with this core mission. Thank you Viasat for your trust in our shared visions and successful partnership.”
For this mission, the Atlas V 551 configuration placed the ViaSat-3 F2 ultra-high-capacity broadband satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Once operational, the spacecraft is expected to substantially boost both the capacity and adaptability of Viasat’s global, multi-orbit network, which serves consumer, commercial and government users. Engineered to add 1 Tbps of throughput to that network, ViaSat-3 F2 will help meet rising demand for secure, dependable, high-bandwidth connectivity services across the Americas.
| Organization | SpaceX |
| Location | Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 |
| Pad | Space Launch Complex 40 |
| Status | Go for Launch |
| Status Info | Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources. |
| Window Opens | Friday, 11/14/2025 10:01:00 PM |
| Window Closes | Saturday, 11/15/2025 2:01:00 AM |
| Streaming |
Official SpaceX mission webcast Spaceflight Now YouTube live streams |
| Destination | Low Earth Orbit |
| Mission Description | A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system. |
On a rare night when two different companies were set to launch hours apart from adjacent launch pads, SpaceX launched Starlink 6-81 from Space Launch Complex 40 at 8:31 pm ET. Falcon 9 flew on a southeasterly trajectory, and completed a trouble-free mission that saw the company deploy another 29 Starlink satellites into the megaconstellation now in low Earth Orbit.
Next up was United Launch Alliance, with the venerable Atlas V on the pad at Space Launch Complex 41. It was set to lift off at 10:24 pm ET, but it was not to be. Everything looked fine until it didn’t, and despite the effort of ULA engineers to solve an issue with a sticky valve, the launch was “Scrubbed […] due to an issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts.”
ULA added in a statement to the press that “The team will require additional time for troubleshooting and is setting up for a 24-hour recycle.
“The launch is now planned for Thursday Nov. 6th at 10:16 p.m. ET at the opening of a 44-minute window.”
Tonight’s payload for Falcon 9 was 29 Starlink satellites that will now join the other Starlink satellites from Group 6 in the Starlink constellation.
That array of satellites provides Internet connectivity globally to over seven million customers in over 125 countries and territories, spanning all seven continents.
| Organization | United Launch Alliance |
| Location | Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA |
| Rocket | Atlas V 551 |
| Pad | Space Launch Complex 41 |
| Status | Go for Launch |
| Status Info | Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources. |
| Window Opens | Thursday, 11 / 06 / 2025 10:16 PM |
| Window Closes | Thursday, 11 / 06 / 2025 11:00 PM |
| Destination | Geostationary Transfer Orbit |
| Mission Description | The ViaSat-3 is a series of three Ka-band satellites expected to provide very high service speed and flexibility; each ViaSat-3 class satellite targets >1 Tbps of network capacity and can dynamically direct capacity to where customers are located. |
As of 12:00 AM Thursday November 6, 2025. Launch assignments and times are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Consult ULA.com for updates.
United Launch Alliance is set to fly their last commercial payload on an Atlas V (* other than Project Kuiper) this week from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The payload is ViaSat-3 — or VS-3 F2 in ViaSat parlance — is a telecommunications satellite that the company expects to more than double the bandwidth capacity of their entire existing fleet. The launch is currently scheduled for 10:24 PM EST on Wednesday, November 5th.
SpaceX also has a Starlink launch scheduled for Wednesday, but will likely yield the Eastern Range to ULA for their launch if ULA is ready to proceed. Stay tuned — it sounds like Wednesday will have a rocket launch of some kind, whether it be a Falcon 9 or an Atlas V.
Meanwhile, south of ULA and SpaceX’s launch complexes, Blue Origin continues to prepare New Glenn for its planned launch next week. It’s hard to recall a time when this many different rockets from different companies are all heading to the pad to launch in the space of only a few days.
| Organization | United Launch Alliance |
| Location | Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA |
| Rocket | Atlas V 551 |
| Pad | Space Launch Complex 41 |
| Status | Go for Launch |
| Status Info | Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources. |
| Window Opens | Wednesday, 11 / 05 / 2025 10:24 PM |
| Window Closes | Wednesday, 11 / 05 / 2025 11:08 PM |
| Destination | Geostationary Transfer Orbit |
| Mission Description | The ViaSat-3 is a series of three Ka-band satellites expected to deliver >1 Tbps of network capacity with flexible, dynamically directed service to where customers are located. |
As of 10:30 AM ET Monday November 3, 2025. Launch assignments and times are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Consult ULA for updates.
The 45th Weather Squadron of Space Launch Delta 45 has released their official Launch Mission Execution Forecast: 95% GO throughout the launch window:
The target orbit for the ViaSat-3 mission is believed to be ~11,700 × 23,600 km, with an inclination of ~6.0 °. After payload separation, the satellite will move to its final operational position in a sun-synchronous orbit under its own power.
Given that this is a launch from Cape Canaveral’s SLC-41, Jetty Park, The Banana River Bridge and southern Titusville Parks are your best bets.
Cocoa Beach and the northern Titusville parks will have an excellent view as well.
For official updates regarding launch times, the ULA mission page is the best source of information: ViaSat-3 Launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.
Speaking of streaming, if possible, watch one of the YouTube streams for the latest/greatest information. Things change pretty fast as the countdown heads towards zero, and the dulcet tones of Will Robinson-Smith on Spaceflight Now or the announcers on ULA’s live stream will keep you up to date.
Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.
Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.
| Area | Spot | Distance to SLC-40 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Canaveral | SR-528 Bennett Causeway pull-offs | ~11–12 mi | Free roadside shoulder; arrive early; bring chairs. |
| Port Canaveral | SR-401 / Port waterfront | ~11–13 mi | Free public areas; sightlines toward pads; occasional security closures. Port launch viewing info. |
| Port Canaveral | Jetty Park (pier & beach) | ~12–13 mi | Park fee; restrooms & concessions; popular & crowded. Jetty Park fees/passes. |
| Cape Canaveral (city) | Cherie Down Park | ~13–14 mi | Free public beach access; small parking lot. |
| Cocoa Beach | Cocoa Beach Pier | ~17–20 mi | Public beach; shops & restrooms; tourist crowds. Parking fees (city). |
| Cocoa Beach | Alan Shepard Park | ~18–19 mi | Paid parking; restrooms; easy beach access. Parking fees (city). |
| Cocoa Beach | Lori Wilson Park | ~19–20 mi | Free parking; restrooms & boardwalks; large lot. |
| Titusville / US-1 | Max Brewer Bridge & Parrish Park | ~12–14 mi | Free public area; elevated views; fills quickly. |
| Titusville / US-1 | Space View Park | ~13–15 mi | Free public park; historical displays; occasional audio feeds. |
| Titusville / US-1 | Rotary Riverfront Park | ~13–15 mi | Free public park; open river views; moderate parking. |
| Titusville / US-1 | Kennedy Point Park | ~13–15 mi | Free public park; long riverfront; good tripod space. |
| Titusville / US-1 | Space Bar (Rooftop) | ~12–14 mi | Rooftop bar at Courtyard by Marriott with launch views; seating fills quickly. official hours. |
Links to streaming sources for the launch are below.
| Streaming Source | Availability |
|---|---|
| Spaceflight Now | One hour prior to liftoff |
| ULA YouTube | One half hour prior to liftoff |
| ULA Mission Page | One half hour prior to liftoff |
The ever-dwindling supply of Atlas V rockets will shrink by one more in a couple of weeks if all goes to plan for United Launch Alliance. The company announced today that they plan to launch the ViaSat 3 mission in early November aboard the venerable rocket.
(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Oct. 28, 2025) – Due to the continuation of severe weather impacting launch processing, the launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for Viasat is now planned for no earlier than Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, pending range approval.
The launch is scheduled for 10:24 p.m. EST at the opening of a 44-minute window, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Viasat-3 is a three-satellite, geostationary Ka-band constellation planned to deliver global coverage. Operated by Viasat, Inc., the first satellite was launched in 2023. The system is designed to provide 100+ Mbps broadband service to homes, businesses and enterprises, as well as connectivity for commercial aircraft and government users.
This will be a replacement satellite for ViaSat-3 F1, which launched on 1 May 1st 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. While the payload was delivered successfully by SpaceX, the deployment of the satellite’s antennae was subnominal, and its performance was so poor that it triggered a $420+ insurance claim for payload loss.
Launch schedules being what they are, the potential for this new launch date to move is ever-present, so it will be worth keeping an eye on.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Mission | Atlas V 551 | ViaSat-3 — Go for Launch! |
| Organization | United Launch Alliance (ULA) |
| Location | Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA |
| Rocket | Atlas V 551 |
| Pad | Space Launch Complex 41 |
| Status | Go for Launch |
| Status Info | Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources. |
| Window Opens | Wednesday, 11/05/2025 10:24 PM |
| Window Closes | Wednesday, 11/05/2025 11:08 PM |
| Destination | Geostationary Transfer Orbit |
| Mission Description | The ViaSat-3 series of Ka-band satellites is designed to deliver more than 1 terabit per second of network capacity per satellite, with flexible, dynamically steerable bandwidth to serve customers where demand is highest. |
| Broadcast Start Time | Coverage typically begins ~15 minutes before liftoff. |
| ULA Streaming Coverage | Watch Live on ULA’s Mission Page | ULA YouTube Channel |
| Spaceflight Now YouTube Coverage | Watch on YouTube – Spaceflight Now Live Stream |
As of 3:57 PM Tuesday October 28, 2025. Launch times are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Consult ULA’s mission page for the most current information.
more below
As Space Coast skies faded into night, United Launch Alliance launched their Vulcan-Centaur rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at 7:59 PM Eastern Time, carrying the classified USSF-106 mission for the U.S. Space Force. The evening launch, near the end of the one-hour window, was a successful return for the vehicle after its near-catastrophic solid rocket failure in its last launch in October, 2024.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched its Vulcan-Centaur rocket from LC-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying the the USSF‑106 mission Tuesday night. Liftoff was at 8:56 PM ET, close to the end of the launch window and into partly cloudy skies, as the usual summer storms were mostly west of the Cape and far away enough to present no problem for the launch team.
This was Vulcan-Centaur’s first operational mission and the first national security payload to utilize its services, a milestone ULA has been working toward since 2014. ULA has faced scrutiny over Vulcan, with military officials calling for more reliability and accountability as the company shifts gearsto its new fleet. There are no more Delta-family launches left, and a dwindling number of Atlas-V launches, most of which are planned for Amazon’s Kuiper Project as well as the Boeing Starliner program.
The DoD awarded ULA a multibillion‑dollar contract in April 2025, securing 19 missions through 2034 under the NSSL Phase 2 procurement. Having completed its certification for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions, Vulcan-Centaur and ULA join SpaceX as one of only two providers cleared to carry critical U.S. military and intelligence assets.
“National security begins at liftoff,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “Vulcan did exactly what it was built to do: deliver a critical mission with power, precision and confidence. We are proud to play a role in strengthening the nation’s space capabilities.”
Two methane‑fueled Blue Origin BE‑4 engines power Vulcan Centaur’s core stage, and for this mission, it was equipped with four Northrop Grumman GEM 63XL solid rocket boosters. Two L3 Harris Rocketdyne RL‑10 engines power the second stage, making Vulcan-Centaur a powerful workhorse for the company as it moves into the future.
The centerpiece of USSF‑106 is the Navigation Technology Satellite‑3 (NTS‑3) a pioneering PNT (position, navigation, and timing) satellite developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. It’s the first experimental navigation satellite launched by the U.S. military in nearly half a century—a milestone with huge implications for future secure and adaptive navigation systems.
Also aboard USSF-106 was another undisclosed payload, and requests to the Space Force for any additional information were not granted. That’s the nature of classified payloads, and the fewer questions asked the better.
More information on the satellite can be found in this video:
| Mission | Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 10-20 |
|---|---|
| Organization | SpaceX |
| Location | Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Pad | Space Launch Complex 40 |
| Status | Go for Launch |
| Status Info | Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources. |
| Window Opens | Thursday, 08/14/2025 6:47 AM EDT |
| Window Closes | Thursday, 08/14/2025 10:47 AM EDT |
| Destination | Low Earth Orbit |
| Mission Description | A batch of 28 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation—SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system. |
| Information current as of: August 12, 2025 (based on latest verified sources) | |
Launch dates and liftoff times are subject to change at any time.
ULA’s next launch is the third Atlas mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Kuiper 3, which will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. That could occur in 4-6 weeks according to unofficial estimates.
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