Atlas 5's classified payload attached to launcher

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket is set to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. government's spy satellite agency, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Thursday night.

The Atlas 5 is flying in the "501" configuration with a five-meter payload fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. The medium-length version of the five-meter fairing is being employed for this launch, making the rocket's total height approximately 206 feet.

See our Mission Status Center for the latest news on the mission.

Credit: United Launch Alliance

Credit: United Launch Alliance

Credit: United Launch Alliance

Credit: United Launch Alliance

Credit: United Launch Alliance

Expedition 29 Patch
Space models