The CERT-2 mission is a critical component in certifying Vulcan for future national security launches. This flight will showcase the performance of the Centaur V upper stage by placing an inert payload into a deep space orbit, marking another significant milestone in Vulcan's certification process. The mission will include proprietary experiments aimed at improving the upper stage's endurance, particularly focusing on long-duration coast periods to ensure optimal performance in future missions.

As the second of two certification missions required by the U.S. Space Force, CERT-2 builds on the success of its predecessor. A successful launch will further cement Vulcan's role in replacing the Atlas V for national security missions, ensuring the rocket's readiness for sensitive payloads. This transition is critical to meet the evolving demands of national security space launches.

The launch date was Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:25 AM (UTC).