A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IB Heavy rocket successfully launched the new US spy satellite NROL-71 into orbit today, ULA press service reported. 

“Congratulations to our team and mission partners for successfully delivering this critical asset to support national security missions,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs, “thank you to the entire team for their perseverance, ongoing dedication and focus on 100% mission success.”

The launch occurred at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

According to ULA, this mission was 132nd since the establishment of the company in December, 2006.

The launch of the WGS-10 mission is scheduled for March 13 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.