Article Posted on : - Nov 22, 2010

The Delta IV Heavy rocket on its launch pad with a National Reconnaissance Office payload at Space Launch Complex-37. An ULA photo

CAPE CANAVERAL (BNS): The United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV rocket has successfully launched a “secret” satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) of the US Government.

The heavy carrier rocket with the payload lifted off from the space launch complex-37 in Cape Canaveral at 5.58 pm EST (22:58 GMT, Sunday), ULA said.

Designated NROL-32, the mission is in support of national defence, the launch company said.

“This second Delta IV Heavy launch for the NRO is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the combined NRO, Air Force, supplier, and ULA team,” Jim Sponnick, ULA Vice President, Mission Operations, said.

“ULA is pleased to support the NRO as it protects our nation’s security and supports our warriors defending our nation around the world,” the ULA official said.

The NRO, which designs, builds and operates spy satellites and acts as a US intelligence agency, did not provide any information about the latest launch or the payload.

An earlier report in the Fox News had said that the massive rocket was widely believed to be carrying the largest satellite in the world on a mission to bolster US “eavesdropping abilities.”