The second time is the charm for the launch of a rocket carrying a secret satellite from our Space Coast.
United Launch Alliance launched a classified intelligence mission aboard a powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket Saturday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The Delta IV Heavy rocket departed from Complex 37 at 1:51 p.m.
On board and heading to orbit, a National Reconnaissance Office satellite -- a top secret mission that is classified per national security guidelines. The launch was delayed 48 hours due to weather. But Saturday it all came together with a flawless countdown.
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The Delta IV Heavy rocket, one of the most powerful in the world, stands at 235 feet and weighs more than 1.5 million pounds once fuel tanks are filled to capacity.
At about 9:36 a.m. Saturday ULA said that fueling was underway for the launch:
Tower rolled back. Fueling underway. Counting down to #DeltaIV #NROL37 launch at 1:51pmEDT. https://t.co/RGc8RvwOlk pic.twitter.com/23JhDmad3U
— ULA (@ulalaunch) June 11, 2016
Due to the secrecy surrounding the launch, ULA will only be releasing limited information about the progress about the upper stage engine firings and release of the payload.
It will be a quick turnaround for launches at the Cape Canaveral AFS., SpaceX will take the stage this upcoming Wednesday, sending two communication satellites to orbit.