VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. — United Launch Alliance is preparing for a reconnaissance satellite launch Saturday for the Department of Defense.

The mission is being carried out through the department’s National Reconnaissance Office, which oversees the nation’s reconnaissance satellite operations.

The launch is scheduled for 4:53 p.m. CST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. ULA’s Delta IV Heavy rocket built in Decatur will carry the satellite.

The NRO uses a variety of satellites to meet mission needs — from small sats to more traditional, larger satellites, according to ULA.

This allows the NRO to carry out intelligence gathering, research and development efforts, and emergency and disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and around the world.

To date, ULA holds an unblemished mission success rate. For more information regarding the upcoming launch, visit ULA’s NROL-91 mission webpage.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL