Comparing Vulcan Rocket to Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy

TLDRUnited Launch Alliance's new Vulcan rocket is compared to its predecessors Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy, as well as SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. The Vulcan is the widest and most powerful of the ULA rockets, with two BE-4 engines and the ability to carry up to 27.2 tonnes to low Earth orbit. It also has a larger payload fairing volume of 310 cubic meters. The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy have a payload volume of 145 cubic meters, but Falcon Heavy has an extended fairing option of 200 cubic meters. In terms of cost, Vulcan is estimated to cost around $120 million per launch, while Falcon 9 has been proven to cost as low as $50 million.

Key insights

💪The Vulcan rocket is the widest and most powerful rocket developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA).

🚀It has two Blue Origin-built BE-4 engines that run on liquid methane and liquid oxygen.

💼Vulcan can carry up to 27.2 tonnes to low Earth orbit, making it the most capable ULA rocket in terms of payload capacity.

🌌With a payload fairing volume of 310 cubic meters, Vulcan surpasses the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy in terms of payload volume.

💰Vulcan is estimated to cost around $120 million per launch, while Falcon 9 has been proven to cost as low as $50 million.

Q&A

How does the Vulcan rocket compare to its predecessors?

The Vulcan is wider and more powerful than both the Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy rockets developed by ULA.

What engines does the Vulcan rocket use?

The Vulcan rocket is powered by two Blue Origin-built BE-4 engines that run on liquid methane and liquid oxygen.

What is the payload capacity of the Vulcan rocket?

The Vulcan rocket can carry up to 27.2 tonnes to low Earth orbit, making it the most capable ULA rocket in terms of payload capacity.

How does the payload fairing volume of the Vulcan rocket compare to the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy?

The Vulcan rocket has a payload fairing volume of 310 cubic meters, surpassing the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy in terms of payload volume.

How much does it cost to launch the Vulcan rocket?

The Vulcan rocket is estimated to cost around $120 million per launch, while Falcon 9 has been proven to cost as low as $50 million.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to United Launch Alliance's new Vulcan rocket.

00:58Comparison of size and engines of Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, Vulcan, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy.

09:42Comparison of payload fairing volumes of Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, Vulcan, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy.

12:21Comparison of estimated costs to launch Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, Vulcan, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy.