posted on Jul, 28 2016 @ 11:13 AM
The NRO launched what may be a new type of classified satellite from Florida this morning. Nothing is known about the mission or satellite, which
could be a new generation of the Quasar satellites. There were some interesting things with the rocket that gives away that this is something new.
This is the first launch for the NRO of an Atlas V in the 421 configuration. They've previously launched in the 411 configuration or more powerful 500
series configuration, but never the 421.
This is also the first time they've used the XEPF fairing. It's a standard 4 meter diameter fairing, but is 14 meters long, the longest available.
They've launched with the 13.1 Meyer EPF fairing, but never this one.
It'll be interesting to see what orbit it eventually settles into.
www.nasaspaceflight.com...edit on 7/28/2016 by Zaphod58 because: (no reason
given)