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An Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Wednesday at 6:18 am. The launch was scheduled for 5:59 am, but had gone into an unplanned hold because of a gaseous nitrogen problem.
According to SpaceFlightNow.com, "The rocket was delivering two-and-a-half million pounds of ground-shaking thrust at takeoff, more than any rocket flying from Cape Canaveral these days."
"The sound was fantastic. Especially, what…it took about a minute or two minutes for the sound to get here. It was well worth coming," said British tourist Robert Lough.
The spacecraft carried a Navy communications satellite into orbit.
Officials said the Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is a "next generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed using a combination of orbiting satellites and relay ground stations to significantly improve communications for U.S. forces on the move."
WFTV reporter Janai Norman spoke with Albert Degruijs, who is visiting central Florida from Holland.
"[It's my] seventh time here in Orlando, [and I've] never seen a launch. It was perfect. Goosebumps all over," Degruijs said.
United Launch Alliance said the views of the rocket launch were caused by unusual atmospheric conditions, and that jellyfish-like plumes were seen all over Florida.
The launch was scheduled for Monday, but was delayed because of the threat from Tropical Storm Erika.
