“Vulcan rocket launch delayed due to uncertainty over payload – Space Force certification pending?”
So, it looks like United Launch Alliance is having a little bit of trouble getting their Vulcan rocket off the ground. After their big debut in January, where they probably popped some champagne and high-fived each other, it seems like they’re hitting a bit of a snag. And by snag, I mean they have no idea what the heck they’re going to launch on top of this thing.
I mean, come on guys, you built a big fancy rocket but you forgot to figure out what to put on it? Did someone forget to make a grocery list before going to the store? “Oh shoot, we forgot the payload, guess we’ll have to go back and get it.”
It’s like planning a big party and sending out invites before you even know what kind of snacks you’re going to serve. “Hey, come to our launch party! Oh, by the way, can you bring some chips and dip? And maybe a satellite or something?”
The uncertainty surrounding the payload has everyone scratching their heads and wondering when the heck this rocket is actually going to fly again. I can just picture a bunch of engineers sitting around a conference table, staring at a blank piece of paper, trying to come up with something to send into space. “How about a giant rubber ducky? No, too silly. Maybe a disco ball? No, too flashy. Oh, I know, how about a toaster? Everyone loves toast, right?”
But in all seriousness, this delay is a bummer for all the space nerds out there who were eagerly waiting for Vulcan to take flight. We were all ready to see some groundbreaking space exploration, but now we have to wait until the fall. I guess we’ll just have to keep watching reruns of Star Trek until then.
So, United Launch Alliance, get your act together and figure out what the heck you’re going to launch on top of that rocket. We’re all waiting with bated breath to see what kind of crazy payload you come up with. And who knows, maybe the Space Force will have to come in and give you a hand. After all, they’re used to dealing with all kinds of space oddities.
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Source: Ars Technica
URL: https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/vulcans-second-launch-likely-to-be-delayed-until-at-least-september/