"The National Reconnaissance Office would not reveal any details about the satellite, including its cost, purpose or which contractor built it.

"I cannot discuss what the payload is other than to tell you that it will provide additional capabilities for our nation's leadership and military," said Art Haubold, a spokesman for the NRO.

This particular satellite was delayed for more than three years due to technical problems and had been scheduled for launch as recently as several months ago. The NRO's electronics listening satellites use baseball diamond-size antennas which fold up like an umbrella for launch.

The large antennas permit the satellite to monitor extremely faint signals, even individual cell phone conversations."