Atlas V sends classified NROL-79 payload to space

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifts off from Space Launch Complex-3. Designated NROL-79, the mission is in support of national defense. Photo & Caption Credit: ULA

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket roared out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California with a classified payload for the National…

ULA readies Atlas V for launch of NROL-79 reconnaissance satellite

An archive photo of a ULA Atlas V 401 common core booster being lifted into the vertical position for a previous launch. Photo Credit: ULA

After enduring several delays – most recently from an issue with the second stage of its Atlas V launch vehicle – United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch the classified NROL-79 mission.  (more…)

ULA confirms March 1 for launch attempt of NROL-79

Archive photo of an Atlas V 401 with WorldView-3. Photo Credit: ULA

United Launch Alliance (ULA) has issued a statement announcing that it is targeting a March 1, 2017 launch date for the flight of an Atlas V 401 rocket with a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The NROL-79 mission had been delayed prior to this due to issues with the Atlas V’s Centaur upper stage. (m…

Launch of classified NROL-79 mission delayed

Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance

Colorado-based United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced on Monday, Jan. 16, that the launch date of the Atlas V 401 rocket with the NROL-79 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office had fallen under review. ULA will use this additional time to ensure the rocket will perform normally. (more…)