spacetoday.net: ULA replaces Dream Chaser on second Vulcan launch

Posted: Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 9:56 AM ET (1356 GMT)
Vulcan Centaur Cert-1 launch (ULA)

ULA will launch an inert payload, rather than Sierra Space's Dream Chaser, on the second Vulcan launch. ULA announced Wednesday that the Cert-2 mission, scheduled for September, will carry only that inert payload and instrumentation after Sierra Space informed ULA that there was "significant risk" for Dream Chaser being ready in time for that launch as previously planned. ULA wants to fly Cert-2 in September to win Space Force certification for Vulcan, allowing it to perform two national security missions before the end of the year. Sierra Space said it understood ULA's decision and will work with the company to find a new launch slot for Dream Chaser, a cargo spaceplane that will fly to the International Space Station.