[Delta] Launch of Delta IV M+(5,2) with NROL-25 Secret Payload

A Delta IV M+(5,2) lifted off from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Airforce Base on the West Coast of the USA tonight, 3rd April 2012, at 23:12 UTC, 16:12 Local time. The rocket carried a secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office simply known as 'NROL-25'.

This launch marked the first ever launch this specific Delta IV. The M+(5,2) has a 5 Meter diameter payload fairing and two solid rocket motors.

For the stats, This was the 59th ULA launch, the 19th launch of a Delta IV Rocket, the 13th Delta IV Medium launch and the 1st Delta IV M+(5,2) variety to launch.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Ferrariman601]

Comment removed by the U.S. Department of Defense.

[Skydivingkittens]

Its probably a spy satellite

[FiveLiterGT]

Does anyone else notice how the booster and the main stage get charred by the flame backwash during ignition? If you look at the booster before launch it is white, but in pictures after it has launched it is blackened, along with the main stage.

[jf3rd2007]

Awesome!



[Dag Simen Befring]

hello, whats program you use to Record LIVE?

[judgefungus]

ULA launches...............why you no 720p?!?

[rocketdog2116]

I was there fantastic launch