Rocket launches military satellite from Cape Canaveral

A satellite that will add to the "backbone" of military communications is on its way to orbit after a Thursday night blastoff atop a powerful Delta IV rocket. Launching just before sunset, the 217-foot United Launch Alliance rocket roared from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 37 with 1.6 million pounds of thrust, assisted by four solid rocket motors. The rocket punched through a layer of low, darkening clouds, then into sunlight that captured its exhaust plume in a brilliant white glow as it arced on a southeasterly trajectory. The solid motors could be seen twinkling as they tumbled from the rocket as planned less than two minutes into flight. More

(Source: USA Today - Jul 24)