"Vulcan Rocket Set for Debut as ULA and NASA Gear Up for Commercial Lunar Journey"
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its Vulcan rocket for the first time on January 8, carrying the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander and a Celestis Memorial Spaceflight payload. The Vulcan rocket, which has been in development for nearly a decade, will be powered by a combination of solid rocket boosters and methane/oxygen-fueled engines. This launch is a certification mission for ULA, and the success of the Vulcan is critical for future National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program missions. ULA has a busy launch schedule ahead, with plans to increase its launch rate significantly in the coming years.