Atlas 5 launches NROL-61 as seen from the NASA Press Site

Following delivery to the launch pad, the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket stands poised for the NROL-61 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral on Thursday morning.

Continuing a run of military satellite deployments this summer, United Launch Alliance has begun stacking the Atlas 5 rocket that will boost the Navy’s next mobile communications craft.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket fitted with five powerful solid-fueled boosters has lifted off from a seaside launch complex at Cape Canaveral with the U.S. Navy’s third Mobile User Objective System communications satellite.