The United Launch Alliance of America (ULA) has taken another step towards launching a next-generation rocket, the Vulcan Centaur, into space. Fire testing of the first stage engines was carried out at 04:05 at the launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

It took just six seconds to start the engines and the two confirmed flight readiness (Ready-to-Flight Ignition) for fire testing where direct target results were obtained.

The 62-metre Vulcan Centaur is ULA’s main bet for the future, the rocket designed to replace the aging Atlas V and Delta IV. The novelty is equipped with two first-stage engines – Blue Origin’s BE-4 and two RL-10s for the second stage. Up to six additional solid fuel accelerators can be fitted to the hull.

The model is expected to be able to launch up to 7 tons of cargo into fixed orbit, but no flight has yet taken place. However, ULA is actively working on flight preparations and has already said that more than 98% of the Vulcan qualification program has been completed, with the remaining items related to the final testing of the second phase Centaur V. The explosion of March 29, which damaged the upper stage during testing, continues due to hydrogen leakage, which caused the launch of the rocket to be delayed.

The Peregrine lander, built by Astrobotics, will make its maiden flight to the moon. ULA officials said the mission could begin this summer, but the exact date has yet to be announced.

ULA first attempted to conduct fire tests of the engines on May 25, but had to be delayed due to a perceived technical issue with the booster. The company took the Vulcan Centaur to the hangar for inspection and analysis and, judging by the successful test results, the problems were successfully fixed.