Shortly after launch, the rocket could be seen from many parts of Southern California. See full story(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
According to aerospace experts, the booster was carrying a top-secret spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office -- the covert federal umbrella agency that operates spy satellites. See full story(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
The rocket hit speeds of about 17,500 mph as it climbed toward space. About six minutes after launch, the first stage of the rocket broke away -- later splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. See full story(Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)
