National Reconnaissance Office launches payload from Cape Canaveral

NROL-27 launch at Cape Canaveral, FL
NROL-27 launch at
Cape Canaveral, FL

A National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload was successfully launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41E, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida on April 10.

“This afternoon’s successful launch of NROL-67 demonstrates once again the unassailable commitment of NRO and its industry partners to the national security of the United States and its allies,” said Colonel Clint Hunt, USAF, the director of the NRO’s office of space launch. “I applaud the dedicated team that made this possible and express my gratitude to every member of that team.”

NROL-67 is the first of three 2014 NRO launches. The next NRO launch is on schedule for May 2014, also from CCAFS.

The NRO is a joint Department of Defense–Intelligence Community organization responsible for developing, launching, and operating America’s intelligence satellites to meet the national security needs of the United States.