Weather cleared up in time for the United Launch Alliance to launch a Delta IV rocket from the Space Coast on Thursday evening, one day after showers delayed the liftoff.
On board the Delta IV rocket was the Air Force's seventh Wideband Global SATCOM, or WGS-7 spacecraft, which will be part of a new, high-capacity satellite communications system used by U.S. troops in the field.
The satellite is set to service the military for the next decade.
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It was rainy for much of the day in Brevard County, with heavy downpours and lightning at times in the areas in and around the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Showers cleared up before the top of the launch window, and the Delta IV rocketed into a clear sky shortly before sunset.
ULA officials noted high winds during Wednesday's launch countdown, and made sure people knew the postponment wasn't because of "Sharknado 3," which debuted Wednesday night and included portions of Central Florida, including Orlando.
For the record, the weather disturbance that caused the postponement of #WGS7 wasn't #Sharknado3. #SharksInSpace pic.twitter.com/a8b9Y9a0mY
— ULA (@ulalaunch) July 23, 2015
United Launch Alliance produced the Delta IV rocket with Wideband Global SATCOM 7 in Decatur, Alabama. There are currently 21 missions in work at the factory. (United Launch Alliance)