A large rocket likely carrying a spy satellite for the U.S. has launched from the California coast.
United Launch Alliance said that liftoff took place from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, which is located 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The 23-story Delta IV Heavy rocket carried a satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, which according to the Associated Press operates the nation's system of intelligence-gathering satellites.
This is one of two launches the NRO has scheduled for 2013.
This is the second time that a Delta IV Heavy rocket has launched from the Vandenberg base. The first time was back in January 2011.
The rocket was manufactured by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co.
No other major details have been made available since the mission is classified.
The Delta IV rocket is the largest rocket in the country according to the Associated Press.
The launch was broadcasted live on the ULA's website.
Base officials closed a nearby beach as a precaution for the launch.
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