The U.S. Space Force has certified ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket to launch national security missions, doubling the number of providers for such flights.

Vulcan’s certification means SpaceX should have at least one competitor for future launches — though several other firms are lining up behind them.

Explore the details of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan launch system and its certification from the U.S. Space Force.

United Launch Alliance on Wednesday had its new Vulcan rocket certified by the Space Force so it can begin flying national security missions.

The U.S. Space Force has certified United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, allowing that vehicle to conduct national security missions.

The Lane 1 awards are part of the Space Force's launch plan that focuses on new or smaller companies that can grow into trusted launch partners for low Earth orbit launches. Lane 2 is for more capable, proven rockets for launches to more challenging, specific orbits.

A rocket the Centennial company has worked on for years is cleared for liftoff on billions of dollars worth of military space launches.

During the first quarter of the year, 27 orbital rockets took flight from Florida's Space Coast. That equates to a cadence of 108 launches by year's end — a record-breaking pace that would erase last year's record of 93 annual liftoffs.