Spy Satellite Atlas V Rocket Launched; Solely For Surveillance?

The Atlas V rocket launched into space in the early morning of July 28 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket was crafted by the United Launch Alliance, which is known to harbor the satellite on top.

It has the 421 configuration that features a payload fairing four meters wide. It has two solid rocket boosters attached to a central booster. The Atlas V was initially launched in March 1, running in a speed that is equal to the speed of sound, 47 seconds after liftoff. The first stage engine was cut-off when the rocket flew 22,200 kilometers per hour.  

Two rocket stages separated during the first four minutes of the Atlas V rocket launch. The Centaur began firing the rocket towards its final orbit immediately after. NRO then requested the ULA to cut the live feed of the Atlas V rocket launch after it had successfully reached outer space, Space reported.

Its launch was a part of ULA's 23rd flight for the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates secret spy satellites used solely for gathering intelligence and surveillance purposes. The United Launch Alliance's short mission description stated that the Atlas V rocket launch operates in support of national defense. Since the launch is a highly classified mission, the only information that the public knows about it is its name, NROL-61 and that it does have a cool mascot.

A peppy lizard named Spike is featured on the mission patch for the Atlas V rocket launch. The picture depicts Spike riding on top of the rocket as it blasts off far from Earth, RT reported. Atlas V rocket launch happened on July 28 at exactly 8:37 a.m. Eastern Time. It is the third NRO satellite that blasted off this year.