Delta 4-Heavy rocket launches secret satellite
The NRO payload on the Delta 4-Heavy is a 5-to-6 ton eavesdropping spacecraft with a high tech deployable antenna as wide as 350 feet.
The spacecraft is to enhance the capability for the U.S. to listen in on communications in hostile governments like Iran and terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda.
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The satellite is likely an "Advanced Mentor" design, according to GlobalSecurity.Org, a military think tank. Earlier versions were designated Orion.
