Launch Photos: Delta IV Launches WGS-9 Military Communications Satellite

Streaking Into Space

United Launch Alliance

At 8:18 pm ET on March 18, 2017, the U.S. military communications satellite WGS-9 launched into orbit atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket. See photos from the rocket launch here.

THIS IMAGE: This brilliant long-exposure view shows the Delta IV rocket streaking into orbit with WGS-9. Read our full story.

Liftoff for WGS-9!

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the Wideband Global SATCOM 9 communications satellite for the U.S. military lifts off from Space Launch Complex-37 of Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 8:18 pm ET on March 18, 2017. Read our full story.

Launch View Lookout

Jeff Spotts/United Launch Alliance

A camera inside ULA's Mobile Service Tower captured this view of the Delta IV launch carrying WGS-9. Read our full story.

A Night Launch

Jeff Spotts/United Launch Alliance

The Delta IV rocket lights up the Florida night sky to launch WGS-9 into orbit from Space Launch Complex-37 of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Read our full story.

Next Stop, Space!

Jeff Spotts/United Launch Alliance

ULA's Delta IV rocket roars of the pad of Space Launch Complex-37 with the U.S. Air Force's WGS-9 communications satellite aboard. Read our full story.

A Successful Launch

United Launch Alliance

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket launches the Wideband Global SATCOM 9 communications satellite for the U.S. military on March 18, 2017. The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 37 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Read our full story.

SRB Separation

United Launch Alliance

Four solid rocket boosters (smaller lights) can be seen just after separating from the ULA Delta IV rocket carrying the WGS-9 military communications satellite during the March 18, 2017 launch. Read our full story.

Night Falls at the Launchpad

United Launch Alliance

Bright lights illuminate Space Launch Complex-37 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, where the Delta IV stands ready to launch WGS-9. Read our full story.

One Tall Rocket

United Launch Alliance

The Delta IV rocket carrying WGS-9 is a 220-foot-tall booster, making it as tall as a 22-story building.

The View from Up High

United Launch Alliance

This photo from the Mobile Service Structure of ULA's Delta IV rocket offers a sweeping view of the seaside launchpad.

In Launch Position

United Launch Alliance

Another view of the Delta IV rocket carrying the WGS-9 military communications satellite as it is rolled into launch position at Space Launch Complex-37.

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Christine Lunsford
Producer and Contributing Writer

Christine Lunsford joined the Space.com team in 2010 as a freelance producer and later became a contributing writer, covering astrophotography images, astronomy photos and amazing space galleries and more. During her more than 10 years with Space.com, oversaw the site's monthly skywatching updates and produced overnight features and stories on the latest space discoveries. She enjoys learning about subjects of all kinds.