Pentagon Space Partner Launches New Heavy-Lift Vulcan Rocket

Boeing-Lockheed’s new rocket competes against Musk’s SpaceX
Private lander separates but suffers technical glitch in space

WATCH: The Vulcan rocket lifts off from Cape Canavarel.2:18 a.m. local time from Florida’s Cape Canaveral.

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By Loren Grush

January 8, 2024 at 5:06 AM UTC

Updated on

January 8, 2024 at 3:57 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

United Launch Alliance’s long-awaited Vulcan rocket lifted off on Monday, heralding a new era for the longtime Pentagon contractor fighting to expand market share against Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The Vulcan booster, which will compete against SpaceX’s dominant Falcon family and other heavy-lift rockets, blasted off at 2:18 a.m. local time from Florida’s Cape Canaveral.