A classified U.S. Space Force satellite was successfully launched into space on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral early on Tuesday. The rocket, powered by a Russian-built RD-180 first stage engine and five Northrop Grumman strap-on solid-fuel boosters, lifted off at 6:45 a.m. EDT with a spectacular display of power, carrying the booster's final national security payload.

The Atlas 5 rocket soared into the sky, shedding its strap-on boosters as it climbed higher into space. The specifics of the mission were kept under wraps, following the tradition of classified launches. The Space Force confirmed that the payload was deployed into the intended orbit approximately seven hours after liftoff.

Col. James Horne, a senior launch manager with Space Systems Command, expressed mixed emotions about the historic launch. ULA, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, marked its 100th national security flight with this mission, emphasizing its importance amid global power competition. However, details about the payload remain undisclosed, with ULA manager Gary Wentz only mentioning that it is one of the most critical payloads to date for national defense.

In a move towards lower-cost launches, ULA is transitioning to the new Vulcan rocket, which will eventually replace the Atlas 5. The Vulcan rocket, an all-American design, is set to carry out more missions as ULA continues to use up its remaining inventory of Atlas 5 rockets. The successful launch of the Vulcan rocket earlier this year paves the way for future missions, including those carrying national security payloads, pending certification upon further successful flights.