Questions tagged [vulcan]

Next Generation Launch System (NGLS) got named Vulcan by ULA.

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2 answers
927 views

Why do methane engines require burn-off igniters?

When I was watching the flight readiness test firing of the Vulcan’s BE-4 engines, I noticed that there were igniters similar to the ROFI igniters seen on liquid hydrogen rockets. Why do methane ...
TRK's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Technical feasibility of using Raptor engines for Vulcan rocket

According to a recent GAO report (p. 116), ULA's Vulcan rocket's BE-4 engines are "experiencing technical challenges" and there is some concern whether they will be ready / certified in time ...
Charles Staats's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

What do the banana values mean in this tweeted plot of heavy lift vehicle capabilities?

@FreddieR's answer to What are the longest current rocket payload fairings, capable of carrying long space station sections? contains the following graphic. It's attributed to Ken Kirtland and I found ...
uhoh's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
309 views

What is the difference between the Vulcan 562 configuration and the Vulcan 5H2 ("Heavy") configuration?

I was looking up some information about ULA's Vulcan rocket, and noticed something odd. There are two configurations, Vulcan 5H2 and 562 that have the same number of boosters, the same size of tanks, ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
367 views

What are the actual economics for the ULA reusability plan?

From this article, I gather that ULA is trying to build reusability into their next generation of launch vehicles. Their plan is summed up nicely in the picture: In the article, they seem to do some ...
neelsg's user avatar
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3 votes
0 answers
194 views

How does ULA propose to get "350% more lift" out of the Vulcan design?

I listened to the annoucement of the Vulcan NGLS booster from ULA. The graphics released and show at SpaceFlightNow.com show a line. "350% more lift" but I could not figure out where that is coming ...
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8 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is the point of ULA's IVF? (Integrated Vehicle Fluids)

ULA (United Launch Alliance) mentioned a new upper stage they are working on that will use IVF. Sounds like an internal combustion engine, running a generator, fueled on propellant and oxidizer that ...
geoffc's user avatar
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