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.
Let's relive liftoff of the #DeltaIVHeavy carrying #NROL68 for @NatReconOfc! 🚀🐉 pic.twitter.com/iIJOl2Arar
— ULA (@ulalaunch) June 22, 2023
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