US launches secret spy satellite from California
A spy satellite operated by the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has been launched from an Air Force base in California.
The exploit was launched this morning (Sept. 24) at 1:49 a.m. EDT (0549 GMT; 10:49 p.m. Sept. 23 local California time), streaking skyward atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
All systems were going well when the launch webcast concluded about three minutes into the flight.
US officials have not revealed the mission of NROL-42, nor said what its orbit will be.
“This launch is the culmination of many months of work by United Launch Alliance, the National Reconnaissance Office and the 30th Space Wing,” said Air Force Col. Gregory Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander at Vandenberg.
He said added in a prelaunch statement. “All of Team Vandenberg is dedicated to mission success and proud to play a part in delivering these capabilities to our nation.”
Sunday’s liftoff marked the 15th time that a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket lofted an NRO satellite.
