45 SW launches NRO satellite on board Delta IV-Heavy

CAPE CANAVERAL AFS, Fla. -- The 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV-Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 today carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite.

The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket.

An Atlas V carrying another NRO payload was just launched from Complex 41 at the Cape June 20.

The 45th Space Wing commander was once again pleased with the performance of the team and mission partners who made this another successful mission.

"To be able to able to support back-to-back NRO missions in just over one week speaks volumes of the partnership we have here at the 45th Space Wing. We are proud our Wing is able to work with the NRO, ULA and other mission partners to make this launch happen," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, who also served as the Launch Decision Authority for the launch.