#nrol37

[for-all-mankind]

NROL-37, launching atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket, flies past the Cape Canaveral lighthouse Saturday, June 11. 

Ever since the first rockets began launching from the Cape in 1950, the lighthouse has provided a stunning backdrop for artful photographers capturing a launch. 

P/c: Bill Jelen.

[for-all-mankind]

After a poor weather scrubbed Thursday's initial launch attempt, NROL-37 took to the skies on a Delta IV Heavy Saturday afternoon, June 11. Classified as NROL-37, Delta's payload is actually the top-secret Advanced Orion/Mentor surveillance satellite. Known as a SIGINT satellite for signal interference, the latest incarnation of the Orion/Mentor series is speculated to have a dish more than 300 feet in diameter. This makes it the largest spacecraft ever orbited, and required the largest rocket in the world to do so.

[astrolorenzo]

A United Launch Alliance #DeltaIV rocket carrying the #NROL37 mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 at 1:51 p.m. EDT yesterday! . . . #RocketsOfInstagram #rocket #DiscoverULA #Repost @ulalaunch

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Launch of Worlds Largest Rocket Delta IV Heavy with NROL-37 The worlds currently largest rocket active has successfully launched with the top secret NROL-37 payload for the United States. The Delta IV Heavy launched from Space Launch Complex 37B at 17:51 UTC, June 11th 2016. This was the 32nd Delta IV launch, and the 9th Delta IV Heavy launch.

[mseeley1]

Liftoff of the #nrol37 #deltaiv rocket launched earlier today (June 11, 2016) by @ulalaunch from CCAFS and the @45thspacewing, seen from 300 feet away. (Photo credit: Michael Seeley / @wereportspace ) (at Cape Canaveral AFS Launch Complex 37)

[for-all-mankind]

Looking to catch today’s Delta IV Heavy launch in person? The world’s largest and most powerful rocket will be felt all across the Space Coast, and should be seen for miles, weather providing. There are multiple locations across the area that are good for launch viewing, though some locations offer better lines of sight than others. The northern shore of the Phillips Parkway, immediately outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station provides the closest available public viewing spot, just 8.28 miles away from SLC-37. Travelling east on SR 528, follow signs for SR 401 North/CCAFS South Gate.

However, parking is limited, and fills up quickly. In the event that it is full, Port Canaveral offers an equally good vantage point. There’s ample parking across from the restaurants at The Cove. 628 Glen Cheek Drive. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

[for-all-mankind]

NROL-37 is set to launch at 1:51pm EDT. ULA captured some gorgeous shots of the Delta IV Heavy rocket earlier this morning, June 9. Webcast of the launch begins at 1:31pm here.

[for-all-mankind]

Delta IV Heavy with NROL-37 at SLC-37, June 9, 2016. Liftoff is now scheduled for 1:51pm EDT Saturday, June 11. Weather is slated to be 40% favourable conditions. ULA’s launch webcast will begin at 1:31pm EDT.