A rocket carrying a classified US satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office has been launched from California. The Atlas 5 rocket lifted off yesterday and roared away into a clear sky over Vandenberg Air Force Base. <br/><br/>All systems were going well when the launch webcast concluded about five minutes into the flight, as is customary during such missions. The satellite dubbed NROL-79 is described only as a national security payload for the NRO. <br/><br/>The once-secret office operates an array of intelligence-gathering satellites. The launch was conducted by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and the Air Force's 30th Space Wing.