Vulcan Centaur Rocket Launch Delayed to January 2024

The inaugural flight, carrying the first commercial moon lander and DNA of several presidents, faces another setback due to issues during a critical test.

• The United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket, which was scheduled to launch on Christmas Eve, has been delayed due to issues during a 'wet dress rehearsal'.
• The rocket is set to carry the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander, aiming to be the first commercial landing on the moon.
• The lander will also carry the DNA of several presidents, including George Washington and John F. Kennedy, as well as members of the Star Trek cast, courtesy of space burial company Celestis Inc.
• The next viable launch date is January 8, 2024, with a four-day window for launch.
• The delay is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Vulcan Centaur, including an explosion after a test in April and repeated delays involving the manufacturing and testing of the vehicle’s BE-4 Engines, made by Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin.

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