The Vulcan rocket for the Cert-1 mission stands at SLC-41 during testing in Cape Canaveral, Florida, May 12, 2023. United Launch Alliance still plans to fly its heavy-lift Vulcan rocket by late 2023 — despite suffering a mishap earlier this year after an engine exploded during testing. CNBC previously reported that one of Blue Origin's BE-4 engines, ordered for ULA's second Vulcan rocket launch, detonated last month. United Launch Alliance, the joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing , is one of two key launch partners for the satellite project, in addition to Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin. Once United Launch Alliance successfully conducts its first two Vulcan missions, the U.S. Space Force will consider clearing the heavy rocket for national security launches.

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Persons: —, Origin's, ULA, Tory Bruno, Bruno, Lockheed Martin, Jeff Bezos, Morgan Brennan, Vulcan Organizations: Cert, SLC, United Launch Alliance, CNBC, Vulcan, Kennedy Space Center, Lockheed, Boeing, U.S . Space Force, SpaceX, National Reconnaissance Organization, Space Force Locations: Cape Canaveral , Florida, U.S, ULA, China