U.S. Spy Agency Launches Surveillance Rocket Into Space

Some people believe that theories revolving around the U.S. Government and its efforts to spy on American citizens is simply paranoid propaganda conjured up by anti-government groups and conspiracy theorists.

However, recent reports and photographs from the Associated Press indicates that Uncle Sam’s surveillance tactics are in full swing, as the National Reconnaissance Office recently launched a cocky spy rocket into space branded with a cartoon octopus and the words “Nothing Is Beyond Our Reach.”

Earlier last week, in central California, the NRO  launched the 19-story Atlas V spy rocket, which is responsible for managing intelligence gathering satellites, from the Vandenberg Air Force base.

Even though the launch of the rocket was broadcast live over Twitter, the NRO has refused to reveal the identity of the rocket’s cargo.

Some people suggest that the NRO is getting a bit overconfident in their efforts to collect intelligence. “Advice to @ODNIgov: You may want to downplay the massive dragnet spying thing right now. This logo isn't helping,” tweeted Christopher Soghoian, senior policy analyst with the ACLU.

However, Karen Furgerson, a representative for the NRO, says that the octopus logo suits the mission.

“NROL-39 is represented by the octopus, a versatile, adaptable, and highly intelligent creature. Emblematically, enemies of the United States can be reached no matter where they choose to hide,” she said. “”Nothing is beyond our reach” defines this mission and the value it brings to our nation and the warfighters it supports, who serve valiantly all over the globe, protecting our nation.”

Last week’s launch was the second mission the Atlas V rocket has embarked on this year.