As an international aerospace supplier, Beyond Gravity is supplying crucial components for the second operational mission of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan launch vehicle, which will launch in Florida in February as part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.
As a long-standing industrial partner of United Launch Alliance (ULA), Beyond Gravity has been closely involved in the development and delivery of key rocket components since the start of the Vulcan program. These include the payload fairing, load-bearing structures between the rocket stages, interfaces to the payload, and systems for heat protection and separation in flight. These components are used in almost all phases of the mission – from launch and ascent to the precise deployment of the satellites – and make a significant contribution to the safety, reliability, and performance of the new launch system.
Vulcan rocket launches on its second operational mission
The launch marks the second operational mission of the Vulcan launch vehicle and its second deployment outside the certification phase. On board are the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) spacecraft, which will be deployed in geostationary orbit to monitor and analyze objects in space, thereby fulfilling space security tasks. The mission demonstrates the operational use of the new launch system under real-world conditions and underscores the role of the components supplied by Beyond Gravity. Justin Elliott, Vice President Launchers Structures US, says: “The second operational Vulcan mission is an important milestone – both for the program and for our collaboration with ULA. This launch demonstrates how important precisely engineered structures and reliable partnerships are to the success of modern space missions.”
Payload Fairing – Protecting satellites during launch
Beyond Gravity is the sole supplier of the payload fairing for the Vulcan rocket. The payload fairing protects the satellites from aerodynamic loads, heat, and environmental influences during their ascent through the Earth's atmosphere. It is a key element in the safe transport of sensitive payloads and accompanies the satellites through the most critical phase of the mission.
Vertical Separation System – Gentle separation in flight
The Vertical Separation System ensures the safe separation of the two halves of the payload fairing during flight. This high-reliability system developed in Zurich and manufactured in Emmen uses precision pyrotechnics for a perfectly timed separation and jettison function. This assures that the fairings halves get away from each other, the satellite(s) and the rocket body with safe clearance. The modular designs of these two key subsystems enable them to be applied to different launch vehicles, improving the reliability and performance of our missions.
Heat shield – Safety under extreme conditions
Another significant contribution from Beyond Gravity is the heat shield in the rocket's engine section. The heat shield protects sensitive systems from extreme temperatures during launch and ascent. It is designed to withstand high thermal and mechanical stress and contributes significantly to the operational safety of the Vulcan rocket.
Interstage adapter – load-bearing connection during ascent
The interstage adapter is manufactured by Beyond Gravity and connects the first rocket stage with the upper stage. During ascent, it transfers high forces between the two stages and ensures the structural integrity of the rocket. This connection is crucial for a stable and controlled acceleration phase.
Payload Attachment Fitting – Interface between rocket and mission
The payload attachment fitting establishes the mechanical connection between the upper stage of the rocket and the satellites. It holds the payload securely during launch. Beyond Gravity has been supplying this component since the beginning of the Vulcan program and is thus directly involved at the interface between the launch vehicle and the mission.
Information about ULA's Vulcan rocket
The Vulcan launch vehicle was developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and is designed as the successor to the Atlas V. In the future, it will take on a wide range of missions for national security, science, and commercial applications. Vulcan is designed to transport a wide variety of payloads into different Earth orbits and is a central pillar of the US National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. Each successful flight strengthens confidence in the new launch system and marks another step in the modernization of the American space infrastructure.
