Space

Boeing-Lockheed Venture Launches New Rocket in Key Test

Hopes to complete two Space Force missions by end of year
Rocket key to protecting market share from Musk’s SpaceX

The United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral on Oct. 4. — The United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral on Oct. 4.
Source: United Launch Alliance

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By Loren Grush

October 4, 2024 at 11:28 AM UTC

Updated on

October 4, 2024 at 1:38 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan rocket blasted off to space on Friday, a critical test of the Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. joint venture’s ability to loft spy satellites for the US government.

Vulcan thundered off the launchpad at 7:25 a.m. local time from Cape Canaveral, Florida, nine months after the vehicle made its debut launch. The flight lasted roughly 30 minutes.