An Atlas V rocket launched Thursday from the Space Coast with a top secret satellite onboard.
The rocket took off from pad 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 9:09 a.m. The launch, which was originally set for 9:05 a.m., was pushed back four minutes so it would not collide with an object in space.
Onboard was a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which is in charge of America’s spy satellites.
"Well, I can't tell you very much, but I can tell you this is a national security payload," said Jason Michas from the NRO.
Five minutes into the launch, United Launch Alliance cut the video feed, at the request of their client.
No information was given as to where exactly in orbit the satellite was being deployed.
This was the 46th launch for an Atlas V rocket since 2002 and the second classified mission in more than a month.
The Atlas V rocket has come under scrutiny because its RD-180 engine is made in Russia.
Recently, Russia said they’re cutting off engine shipments if they’ll be used to launch payloads for the U.S. government. This is due to the rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine.
ULA said it has a 2-year supply of the Russian engine and, if needed, can switch payloads to the Delta IV rocket.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to be the next launch from the Space Coast on June 11.