A National Reconnaissance Office satellite was successfully launched aboard
a Titan IV/B-25 rocket from Space launch Complex 40 here 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,
Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. 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 security at home and
abroad with this significant launch."
