The launch vehicle Atlas V with a secret reconnaissance satellite successfully launched from the Vandenberg cosmodrome in California,.

As reported by the NASA Spaceflight portal, the launch of the missile with the mission NROL-42 for the National Intelligence Directorate occurred at 22:49 local time on Saturday, September 23 (8:49 Sunday, September 24, Kiev time).

It was planned that the launch would be carried out on September 22, but it was postponed due to a battery failure on the accelerating carrier unit. Prior to this launch was postponed in connection with the approach of the hurricane "Irma".

Detailed information about the satellite was not disclosed. However, as noted by the portal Gears Of Biz, the device can be equipped with an additional package of tools. Among them, the HEO-4. It is a space system capable of tracking missile launches in northern latitudes.