Vulcan Experiences Solid Rocket Booster Anomaly During USSF-87 Mission
Photo Credit: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL., (February 12th, 2026) — A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket encountered an issue with one of its solid rocket boosters during launch Thursday while carrying a classified payload for the United States Space Force.
The mission, designated USSF-87, lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-stage Vulcan rocket, powered by a pair of BE-4 engines on its core stage and augmented by solid rocket boosters, climbed away under clear Florida skies before an anomaly was observed involving one of the strap-on boosters.
According to ULA, one of the solid rocket boosters experienced a performance issue during ascent. Despite the anomaly, the vehicle continued flying and completed its primary mission profile. The Centaur upper stage proceeded with its planned burns to deliver the classified national security payload to its intended orbit.
Photo Credit: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now
Officials indicated that the rocket remained within safety constraints throughout flight and that there was no risk to the public. The booster issue is expected to be reviewed through standard post-flight data analysis.
Vulcan, which replaces ULA’s Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, is designed to support high-priority national security missions as part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. Thursday’s flight marked another early operational mission for the new launch vehicle as it continues to build its track record for Department of Defense and commercial customers.
The USSF-87 payload details remain classified, as is typical for many Space Force missions. ULA and Space Force officials are expected to provide further updates once the anomaly review process is complete.
Florida Spaceflight will continue monitoring developments as more information becomes available regarding the booster performance issue and its implications for upcoming Vulcan launches.