TBD Mission ID: b32689fe-b156-4ccd-b824-fd555d12ba24

Vulcan | USSF-57

First of three Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared geostationary satellites designed for missile warning.

Mission Profile

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Launch Date

May 31

2026

schedule

Time

00:00

UTC

rocket

Rocket

Vulcan

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Site

ll-location-12

ll-pad-29

public

Orbit

GTO

Geostationary Transfer Orbit

history Launch Timeline

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T-10:00:00

Countdown Begins

Final vehicle activation and systems checks.

T-04:00:00

Tanking

Liquid natural gas (LNG), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid hydrogen (Centaur stage) begin loading.

T-00:07:00

Terminal Count

Final automated sequence begins.

T-00:02:00

Internal Power

The rocket switches to internal battery power.

T-00:00:06

Main Engine Ignition

The two BE-4 engines ignite and throttle up.

T-00:00:00

Liftoff

SRBs ignite and the hold-down bolts release.

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T+01:10

Max Q

Maximum aerodynamic pressure.

T+01:50–T+02:30

SRB Burnout and Jettison

Depending on configuration (2, 4, or 6 boosters), spent SRBs are jettisoned in pairs.

T+04:55

BECO

Booster Engine Cutoff: BE-4 engines shut down.

T+05:01

Stage Separation

Vulcan core stage separates from the Centaur V upper stage.

T+05:11

MES-1

Main Engine Start 1: twin RL10C engines ignite on Centaur V.

T+05:20

Fairing Jettison

5.4 m payload fairings are discarded.

T+15:00

SECO-1

Centaur reaches its initial parking orbit.

T+ (mission dep.)

Deployment

Payload is released once precise orbital parameters are met.

T+X hours

Tank Venting / De-orbit

Centaur performs a disposal maneuver and vents remaining propellant, or de-orbits for reentry.

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USSF-57

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Mission Payload

First of three Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared geostationary satellites designed for missile warning.

Spacecraft Vulcan

Mass

Payload Manifest

Coming soon...