Vulcan rocket to debut in 2019
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United Launch Alliance (ULA) – the company that conducts most of America’s rocket launches – has unveiled a reusable rocket named “Vulcan” designed to replace its current Atlas and Delta boosters, and end U.S. dependence on Russian-built rocket engines

Upper-stage: Initially Vulcan will fly with existing Centaur engine. From
2023 ULA will introduce advanced motor capable of placing multiple satellites into orbit in different planes

Vulcan: More than a million people voted to name rocket after home planet of Spock from TV show Star Trek

First-stage: Powered by pair of liquid-oxygen (LOX) and liquefied methane
engines or by two conventional kerosene-LOX powerplants

Up to six strap-on solid fuel boosters can be added

Vulcan will exceed Delta-IV Heavy – world’s most powerful rocket – which
can lift 25 tonnes into low-Earth orbit

Reusability: Booster engines will fall back to Earth to be retrieved for refurbishment and reuse

Rockets not to scale
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Source: ULA

Picture: CBS/Getty Images

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