The third time was the charm for an effort to launch a rocket from the Central Coast.
Tens of thousands of people got a glimpse of the liftoff of a Delta IV rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base Friday afternoon.
A secret payload was placed into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office by the 2:11 p.m. launch.
The United Launch Alliance flight was originally set for Wednesday, but was postponed due to upper level wind. A mechanical issue canceled a second flight attempt on Thursday.
