The classified NROL-55 payload operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office has been observed in orbit by a worldwide network of satellite trackers, confirming the secret identity of the satellites as a pair of Naval Ocean Surveillance Satellites.
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocker blazed into the pre-dawn skies over the Californian coast line on Thursday, lifting off from SLC-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base at 12:49 UTC to begin a classified mission for the United States National Reconnaissance Office.
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An Atlas V 401 rocket stands ready for liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Thursday for the year’s only National Reconnaissance Office launch, lofting a classified payload into a secret orbit. Known as NROL-55, the mission aims for a liftoff time at 12:49 UTC – the opening of a launch window with an undisclosed duration.
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