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South Floridians Get Great Views of Atlas V Launch From Cape Canaveral

Many South Floridians woke up Wednesday to witness what looked like a shooting star that grew to be 20 times bigger. 

After being delayed by Tropical Storm Erika, United Launch Alliance  propelled Atlas V, a U.S. Navy communications satellite, into orbit at 6:18 a.m. from Cape Canaveral. The military satellite will complete a constellation that acts like cell phone towers in space and allow troops to better communicate while in combat or on the move in remote locations.

The so-called "narrowband" communications system will relay calls, texts and other data critical for missions.

According to NBC 6 Meteorologist Ryan Phillips, the sun angle at first light made for beautiful colors and a perfect view of the launch even from South Florida. 

Do you have more photos of the Atlas V launch? Email your photos to isee@nbc6.com and/or share your photos on social media using the hashtag #NBC6! We may use them on-air or in a gallery on our app!

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