ULA's Vulcan Rocket Set for Debut Launch and Packed Schedule

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing for the first launch of its Vulcan Centaur rocket, with all major components now at the Cape Canaveral launch site. The Centaur upper stage, called Cert-1, arrived on November 13 and will be integrated with the Vulcan booster. The primary payload for the launch is Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander, which will carry payloads for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The launch is scheduled for December 24, with two backup windows on December 25 and 26. ULA plans to increase the Vulcan launch rate to twice a month by the end of 2025.