WASHINGTON — United Launch Alliance plans to begin 2026 with a national security mission as its Vulcan Centaur rocket prepares to launch USSF-87 for the U.S. Space Force. The mission is scheduled for liftoff Feb. 2 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...