ULA rocket carries recon-agency payload

United Launch Alliance said it has successfully launched a Delta IV rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

It's Centennial-based ULA's third overall launch of the year and its fourth mission for the NRO in the last six months.

The rocket launched at 4:38 p.m. MST Friday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

ULA did not describe the payload except to say it is "in support of national defense."

The NRO operates reconnaissance satellites for the Defense Department and U.S. intelligence agencies.

ULA is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Co. that provides space launch services.