A New Era in Space Defense Begins with Vulcan’s First National Security Launch

Cape Canaveral, Fla. – August 13, 2025 – History soared into the night sky as United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) powerful Vulcan rocket blasted off on its first-ever National Security Space Mission (USSF-106) for the U.S. Space Force. The thunderous liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 8:56 p.m. EDT on August 12 marked a bold leap forward in America’s space dominance.
"National security starts the moment we leave the pad," declared Gary Wentz, ULA’s VP of Government and Commercial Programs. "Vulcan proved its might—delivering this mission with unmatched power, precision, and reliability. This is how we defend the future."
