NRO payload

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- A Titan IV B rocket takes off from here Sept. 9. The rocket carried a National Reconnaissance Office payload into orbit. The classified payload will help enhance national security for the United States and support deployed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Carleton Bailie)

Rocket blasts off from Florida

Published Sept. 10, 2003
By Airman 1st Class Shaun Emery
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- A Titan IV B rocket successfully launched from here Sept. 9.

The rocket carried a National Reconnaissance Office payload into orbit. The classified payload will help enhance national security for the United States and support deployed forces, according to 45th Space Wing officials.

The mission had been scheduled for Aug. 18 but was delayed after a fuel leak Aug. 12.

"In the launch business, you only get one try at success once the rocket leaves the ground, so that makes every job important,” said Master Sgt. Lou Moyer from the 3rd Space Launch Squadron. “This is why sometime we delay launches to ensure that the one shot we get is our best shot. Failure is not an option.”

NRO payload

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