It presently holds the record for being the largest spy satellite ever launched.

[4] Whilst details of its mission are officially classified, amateur observers have identified USA-223 as an Orion satellite; the seventh in the Magnum/Orion series.

Orion spacecraft are used for electronic signals intelligence, and carry large antennas to enable them to intercept radio transmissions.

[5] Bruce A. Carlson, the director of the NRO, described the spacecraft as being the largest satellite ever launched.

By 23:05 UTC, official updates on the status of the launch had been discontinued.