My News 13 CAPE CANAVERAL — An Atlas V rocket launched Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on a classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
The unmanned rocket blasted off from Launch Complex 41 at 1:45 p.m. with a classified spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.
No details about the classified satellite were divulged, other than that it’s intended for national security.
The Atlas rocket was supposed to launch two weeks earlier, but crucial radar-tracking equipment was damaged a day before the planned March 25 liftoff. An electrical short overheated the unit.
Because repairs are still in progress, the Air Force used backup radar to monitor Thursday afternoon’s launch, which went off without issue.
The radar accident also delayed a private SpaceX launch, now targeted for Monday.
SpaceX has a fresh load of supplies for the International Space Station. NASA is using private companies to keep the orbiting lab stocked.
op’s checked good then?