Space Force to Judge Vulcan by Leo 1 Flight Data Before Clearing Military Launches

Vulcan Centaur returns to flight on November 13 carrying 40 Amazon Leo satellites in the VC6L configuration with all six GEM 63XL boosters. The Space Force ties its clearance for national security missions to flight data from this launch after two booster nozzle burn-throughs.

• Leo 1 launch set for November 13 with 40 Amazon Leo satellites
• First flight in VC6L configuration with six GEM 63XL boosters
• New Centaur V LEO-Optimized stage carries a third less propellant
• Military clearance depends on flight data, Space Force says