"ULA CEO Confirms Vulcan Rocket's 2021 Launch Despite Engine Mishap, Amidst Intensifying Competition"
United Launch Alliance (ULA) CEO Tory Bruno stated that despite an engine explosion during testing, ULA still plans to launch its heavy-lift Vulcan rocket by late 2023. The mishap occurred with one of Blue Origin's BE-4 engines, but Bruno explained that setbacks during the acceptance phase are not uncommon. ULA's first Vulcan flight, carrying demo satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper, has been delayed multiple times due to necessary modifications. Once ULA successfully completes its first two Vulcan missions, the U.S. Space Force will consider clearing the rocket for national security launches. Bruno emphasized the growing demand for military space and hinted at ULA's plans to accelerate in-space services to protect military payloads from potential adversaries.