United Launch Alliance (ULA) is gearing up for the second launch of its Vulcan rocket, known as Cert-2, which is scheduled for October 4, 2024.

The Vulcan Centaur rocket was rolled out to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 30, 2024, marking a significant step in the launch preparations.

A critical component of the preparation is the wet dress rehearsal (WDR), where the rocket will be loaded with a million pounds of cryogenic propellants and undergo a full countdown procedure.

Following its rollout, the Vulcan rocket will undergo a tanking test, and when fully fueled, it will weigh approximately 1.5 million pounds.

For this mission, ULA will carry an inert payload, meaning there are no items intended to separate from the Centaur 5 upper stage after deployment.

The Cert-2 mission will also include demonstrations of future Centaur V technologies, furthering ULA's development efforts.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen of the U.S. Space Force noted that a successful flight does not automatically lead to immediate certification for ULA.

A successful Cert-2 flight is crucial for ULA as it aims to strengthen its position in bidding for future NASA missions, according to NASA's launch director Tim Dunn.

Completion of Cert-2 is essential for ULA to start launching national security payloads for the U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office.

ULA plans to conduct national security missions USSF-106 and USSF-87 by the end of 2024, contingent on the success of the second certification flight.

Originally, Cert-2 was intended to launch Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, but the plan changed due to delays in the spaceplane's preparation.

ULA CEO Tory Bruno has indicated that the flight will also include experiments and technology demonstrations relevant to the future development of the Centaur 5.