A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy has successfully launched NROL-15, a classified US government reconnaissance satellite, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The launch was delayed 24h for weather, caused by a slow-moving tropical storm that caused minor flooding across northern Florida. The launch countdown was suspended three times due to technical issues, reportedly caused by three separate issues, which were resolved.
The launch marks the 51st evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) launch, only nine days behind another reconnaissance agency launch. Another NRO launch is scheduled for 2 August.
The Delta IV was launched in Heavy configuration, with two common core boosters attached. At the time transmission was discontinued for secrecy reasons, the satellite was well on its way to orbit, and ULA declared a successful launch.
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is one of the largest customers of launch services on the planet
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Source: Flight International