USSF-87: Vulcan rocket to set new performance and endurance records

United Launch Alliance · February 4, 2026 · blog

Space is the new battlefield high ground, and the upcoming United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket flight will help to protect U.S. national security orbital assets by launching a “neighborhood watch” surveillance system directly into geosynchronous orbit. The USSF-87 multi-manifested mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command will launch aboard a Vulcan VC4S rocket on Feb. 12 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.  The rocket will use four side-mounted solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and dual-engine Centaur V upper stage to deliver the heavy payload more than 22,00 miles (35,000 km) above the Earth. Vulcan’s versatility and purpose-built, high-energy rocket architecture is designed to meet all of the demanding national security requirements of our nation’s space launch needs.  — United Launch Alliance

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