Launch Photos: Secret US Spy Satellite NROL-38 Blasts Off

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Spy Satellite NROL-38 Launches: June 20, 2012

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket launches the classified NROL-38 spy satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on June 20, 2012. Liftoff occurred at 8:28 a.m. EDT. The national security satellite will be used by the National Reconnaissance Office.

Spy Satellite NROL-38 Launches: June 20, 2012

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket launches the classified NROL-38 spy satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on June 20, 2012. Liftoff occurred at 8:28 a.m. EDT. The national security satellite will be used by the National Reconnaissance Office.

Spy Satellite NROL-38 Launches: June 20, 2012

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket launches the classified NROL-38 spy satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on June 20, 2012. Liftoff occurred at 8:28 a.m. EDT.

Atlas 5 Rocket Ready to Launch NROL-38 Mission

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle stands ready to launch the NROL-38 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. Launch date: June 20, 2012.

Atlas 5 Rocket with NROL-38 Mission

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle stands ready to launch the NROL-38 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. Launch date: June 20, 2012.

Atlas 5 Rocket with NROL-38 Mission Through Doors

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle, carrying the NROL-38 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, is rolled to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41. Launch date: June 20, 2012.

NROL-38 Mission Rolls to Pad

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle, carrying the NROL-38 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, is rolled to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41. Launch date: June 20, 2012.

NROL Mission Closeup of Logos

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle, carrying the NROL-38 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, is rolled to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41. Launch took place on June 20, 2012.