The National Reconnaissance Office says the classified NROL-30 payload launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., June 15 achieved “nominal” vehicle separation from the booster. NRO expressed confidence that the space vehicle could perform its mission, despite the Centaur upper stage “technical anomaly which resulted in minor performance degradation.”
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.