A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy launches with a National Reconnaissance Office payload NROL-32 from Space Launch Complex-37 at 5:58 p.m. EST (22:58 GMT). Photo: Pat Corkery/United Launch Alliance (ULA) via Space.com
US has launches, A Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the largest satellite on Earth, from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday, rocket manufacturer United Launch Alliance (ULA) reports.
A Delta IV Heavy rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on November 21st, rocket manufacturer United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced in a corporate press release.
“This mission helps to ensure that vital NRO resources will continue to bolster our national defense,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, commander 45th Space Wing, after the successful launch.
“The spectacular evening launch showcases how the 45th assures access to the high frontier and supports global operations.”
“I believe the payload is the fifth in the series of what we call Mentor spacecraft, a.k.a. Advanced Orion, which gather signals intelligence from inclined geosynchronous orbits,” satellite tracker Ted Molczan told Spaceflight Now, reporting CBS News.
“They are among the largest satellites ever deployed. The satellite likely consists of sensitive radio receivers and an antenna generally believed to span up to 328 feet to gather electronic intelligence for the National Security Agency (NSA).”
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