Photos: NROL-52 Takes its Place atop Atlas V Rocket

The classified NROL-52 satellite, encapsulated in its protective payload fairing, is rolled to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to be hoisted atop its Atlas V rocket in preparation for an October 2017 liftoff. NROL-52 – operated as part of the secret satellite fleet of the National Reconnaissance Office – is most likely to join the Space Data System tasked with providing real time relay of reconnaissance data from lower-orbiting satellites.

All Photos: United Launch Alliance