The US Space Force is considering moving a significant number of launches from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9 following two grounding incidents in less than two years. The Vulcan rocket, which has flown only four times since its debut in January 2024, suffered nozzle malfunctions on two missions, prompting concerns about reliability. United Launch Alliance faces mounting pressure as its position as the Pentagon's preferred launch provider erodes.

ULA's Vulcan rocket is one of two primary launch vehicles used by the Space Force, alongside SpaceX's Falcon 9. Despite a backlog of nearly 70 launches, the rocket has experienced two solid rocket booster anomalies, with exhaust nozzles blowing off during flights in October 2024 and February 2023. The incidents have raised serious questions about Northrop Grumman's booster design and manufacturing processes. Space Force officials are now reevaluating launch assignments, with roughly half of major launches planned over the next four years originally assigned to Vulcan.

Space Systems Command has already moved four GPS satellite launches from ULA to SpaceX and is working through additional rocket swaps. The military's experience with Vulcan "absolutely will shape" future launch procurement decisions, according to Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant. While officials emphasize that Vulcan remains important for national security, the rocket's reliability issues are accelerating a shift toward SpaceX's more proven and cost-effective Falcon 9 system.