\n<\/p>\n
Space Systems Command has moved four launches<\/a> of new GPS navigation satellites from ULA to SpaceX in the past two years. The next GPS payload, previously assigned to Vulcan, will instead launch next week on a Falcon 9 rocket. This satellite was already at the launch site in Florida to prepare for a Vulcan launch this spring when ULA encountered the booster malfunction in February. Military officials made a quick swap to the Falcon 9, which flies from the launch pad next to ULA\u2019s Vulcan launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.<\/p>\n Zarybnisky said the military is \u201cworking through a significant number\u201d of potential additional rocket swaps from Vulcan to another launch vehicle. \u201cI really take in two factors as we\u2019re working through how we do swaps,\u201d he said. \u201cOne is the availability of the spacecraft. If the spacecraft is ready to go, that\u2019s going to give it a priority.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also talking to the warfighter, talking to Combat Forces Command, talking to the Headquarters, and understanding their priorities, that\u2019s how we decide which missions we\u2019re going to swap,\u201d Zarybnisky said. \u201cAs far as the maximum number, I will say there are definitely missions that need Vulcan. We need Vulcan flying for this nation, but I continue to push my team\u2026 How do we get capability on orbit as fast as possible?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Officials are also looking at modifying payload packages to make them light enough to launch on a Vulcan rocket without any solid rocket boosters. Garrant said this is an option for rideshare missions for the Space Development Agency, a Space Force unit deploying a fleet of missile-tracking and data-relay satellites. Each launch for the Space Development Agency carries multiple satellites\u201421 spacecraft in the case of a SpaceX launch last year<\/a><\/span>. Removing a few satellites from a launch could make the payload stack light enough to reach orbit without needing the extra boost from strap-on motors.<\/span><\/p>\n