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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

US Launches Giant Eavesdropping Satellite

Lorna Blount, Sky News Online

A top secret US spy satellite strapped to one of the most powerful rockets in the world has been blasted into space.

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy sits poised on its launch pad

The rocket roared into the sky from Cape Canaveral, Florida

The satellite, described by the National Reconnaissance Office as the largest in the world, is believed to help Washington's eavesdropping abilities.

The unmanned Delta-4 Heavy rocket roared into the night sky in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday carrying the mysterious satellite on a mission dubbed Nrol-32.

The rocket is 235ft tall and can launch payloads of up to 24 tons into low Earth orbit.

It was only the fourth time the Delta 4-Heavy, America's most powerful liquid-fuelled rocket, has flown.

"This launch is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the combined NRO, Air Force, supplier and ULA team," said United Launch Alliance vice president Jim Sponnick.

:: The launch of the Nrol-32 had been moved back from October 19 due to delays for undisclosed reasons.


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