Launch Photos: Secret NROL-37 Spy Satellite Rides Delta IV Heavy Rocket Into Orbit

Liftoff for Spy Satellite NROL-37

United Launch Alliance

The National Reconnaissance's NROL-37 mission, launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket on June 11, 2016, is the latest NRO mission dedicated to national security. See photos from the amazing launch here. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Clearing the Tower

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launches into space carrying the classified NROL-37 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida on June 11, 2016. The launch is a mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Ascent

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launches into space carrying the classified NROL-37 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida on June 11, 2016. The launch is a mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Preparing for Launch

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket is prepared to launch the classified spy satellite NROL-37 at Space Complex 37 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida. Here, the Mobile Service Tower is rolling back on June 9, 2016. Liftoff occurred on June 11. Launch Video | Read our full story.

The World's Biggest Rocket

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket is prepared to launch the classified spy satellite NROL-37 at Space Complex 37 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida. Here, the Mobile Service Tower is rolling back on June 9, 2016. Liftoff occurred on June 11. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Close-up of NROL-37 and Delta IV Heavy

ULA

Close-up view of the NROL-37 spy satellite and Delta IV Heavy rocket. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Delta IV Heavy Set to Launch NROL-37

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket is prepared to launch the classified spy satellite NROL-37 at Space Complex 37 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida. Here, the Mobile Service Tower is rolling back on June 9, 2016. Liftoff occurred on June 11. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Delta IV Heavy Rocket and NROL-37 Payload

ULA

The NROL-37 spy satellite and Delta IV Heavy rocket on the pad at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station ahead of a planned June 9, 2016 launch. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Delta IV Heavy Set to Launch NROL-37

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket is prepared to launch the classified spy satellite NROL-37 at Space Complex 37 of Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida. Here, the Mobile Service Tower is rolling back on June 9, 2016. Liftoff occurred on June 11. Launch Video | Read our full story.

Mobile Service Tower Retracts

ULA

The Mobile Service Tower at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex-37 is rolled back in preparation for launch of the NROL-37 mission on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. Launch Video | Read our full story.

NROL-37 on the Launch Pad

ULA

The NROL-37 spy satellite and its Delta IV Heavy rocket on the launch pad ahead of a planned launch on June 9, 2016. Bad weather caused the launch to be pushed to June 11. Launch Video | Read our full story.

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Mike Wall
Senior Space Writer

Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.