spacetoday.net: Delta 4 launches NRO satellite

Delta 4 launches NRO satellite

Posted: Wed, Apr 4, 2012, 8:14 AM ET (1214 GMT)
Delta 4 launch of NROL-25 (ULA)

A Delta 4 rocket placed a classified military satellite into orbit on Tuesday. The Delta 4 Medium-Plus (5,2) lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 7:12 pm EDT (2312 GMT) Tuesday on a mission designated NROL-25 for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). United Launch Alliance (ULA) declared the launch a success, but neither it nor NRO provided additional details about the mission. Analysts believe the rocket was carrying a radar imaging satellite, based on the rocket's trajectory. The launch was the first for this variant of the Delta 4, which uses a five-meter payload fairing and two solid strap-on boosters.