(CNN NEWSOURCE) A U.S. spy agency satellite safely reached orbit after a launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Thursday morning.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carried the classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite into space.
ULA would only say that the mission is in support of national defense.
It's the third of four satellites United Launch Alliance is expected to launch this year.
The Alliance is a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
First pic! ULA #AtlasV lifts off with #NROL61 at 8:37amEDT @NatReconOfc @45thSpaceWing @AFSpace @AF_SMC @usairforce pic.twitter.com/Rzw7Lcl0w2
— ULA (@ulalaunch) July 28, 2016