Article Posted on : - Jul 02, 2012

The Delta IV-Heavy rocket lifts off with the secret payload. A United Launch Alliance photo

CAPE CANAVERAL (AP): A new US clandestine satellite rocketed into space on June 29.

An unmanned Delta IV-Heavy rocket lifted off Friday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It carried a satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

The office did not disclose the satellite's purpose.

This was the second rocket launch for the NRO in the last two weeks. An Atlas V rocket carrying another secret satellite was launched on June 20.

Friday's launch was delayed a day because of concerns about weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Debby earlier in the week. The launch was delayed three hours for several technical issues with a sticky valve.