Science News
US launches 'largest' ever satellite
Nov 22, 2010, 22:56 GMT
Washington - The United States has put what is described as the 'largest satellite in the world' into orbit on a secretive reconnaissance mission the US military would not disclose.
The Pentagon's National Reconnaissance Office launched the satellite Sunday aboard a Delta-4 Heavy from Cape Canaveral, Florida, according to space.com, which quoted an unnamed official.
The Delta-4 Heavy is the most powerful unmanned rocket in the world and stands at 72 metres high.
The National Reconnaissance Office does not disclose details of its missions and does not reveal the size or cost of the spy satellites. But NRO Director Bruce Carlson in a speech in September said he agency would soon be launching the 'largest satellite in the world.'
Carlson said the NRO was in the process of replacing its aging fleet of satellites.
The secret payload that went up Sunday was known only by its launch identification NROL-32. Space.com reported the satellite is believed to be an eavesdropping spacecraft.
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