7 November 1997

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION, Fla. --

A National Reconnaissance Office satellite was successfully launched aboard a Titan IV rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 here at 9:05 p.m. Eastern Standard Time today. The NRO, which designed and built the satellite, will also operate it. The launch was a team effort between the NRO, the Cape's 5th Space Launch Squadron and the Lockheed Martin Astronautics Corporation. "The Titan team hit another home run with the launch of this critical, national defense payload," said Brig. Gen. Randall Starbuck, commander of the 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, which is responsible for launches from Cape Canaveral AS. "We are very proud to contribute to our national security at home and abroad with this significant launch.