23 October 1997

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.--

A National Reconnaissance Office satellite was successfully launched aboard a Titan IV rocket from South Vandenberg at 7:32 p.m. Pacific Standard Time today.

The rocket delivered the NRO satellite into polar orbit. The NRO, which designed and built the satellite will also operate it. The launch was a team effort between the NRO, Vandenberg's 4th Space Launch Squadron and the Lockheed Martin Corporation. "This was a great example of Air Force and contractor people working together as a world class team. Everything went pretty much as expected," said Col Bob Kehler, commander of Vandenberg's 30th Space Wing.

This was the fourth Titan IV launch from Vandenberg in the past two years. It was also the last "A" model Titan IV slated for launch from here. Future Titan IV launches from here will use the "B" model rocket, best known for its updated thrust controlsystem used to steer the rocket in flight. Titan IV's are also launched from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida. Two more "A" model Titan IVs are slated for launch from there.