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ULA confirms a successful static fire of a GEM 63XL solid booster as part of the Vulcan investigation
United Launch AllianceVulcan Centaur
ULA confirmed Northrop Grumman successfully static-fired a GEM 63XL solid booster on April 15 with nozzle design improvements and new propellant, part of the investigation into a recurring nozzle failure. ULA expects Vulcan to return to flight by year's end, likely with an Amazon satellite mission.
- Test date: April 15, 2026; nozzle design enhancements and advanced propellant technology demonstrated
- Data from test and investigation findings validate analytical models supporting Vulcan return to flight
- Expected return to flight by year-end; likely carrying Amazon broadband internet satellites
- Previous failure: October 2024 certification flight; February 2026 nozzle burn-through prompted investigation