Classified US satellite launched from California
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This photo provided by United Launch Alliance shows an Atlas V rocket carrying the NROL-79 mission at the Space Launch Complex-3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. (United Launch Alliance via AP)
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — A rocket carrying a classified U.S. satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office has been launched from California.
The Atlas 5 rocket lifted off at 9:49 a.m. Wednesday and roared away into a clear sky over Vandenberg Air Force Base.
All systems were going well when the launch webcast concluded about five minutes into the flight, as is customary during such missions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The satellite dubbed NROL-79 is described only as a national security payload for the NRO.
The once-secret office operates an array of intelligence-gathering satellites.
The launch was conducted by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and the Air Force's 30th Space Wing.