WATCH AGAIN: Delta IV Heavy rocket launches from the Cape

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance launched a Delta IV Heavy rocket early Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The rocket was set to launch from Space Launch Complex-37 early Wednesday, but ULA said it had to postpone the liftoff because of an issue with a ground system pneumatic valve. The launch was delayed again Thursday due to weather, but the rocket was able to blast off at 5:18 a.m.

The Delta IV Heavy took an intelligence gathering satellite into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office in one of its last launches before the line is retired.

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The NRO focuses on providing “global coverage against a wide range of intelligence requirements, carrying out research and development efforts, and assisting emergen­cy and disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and around the world,” according to ULA’s website.

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