Packed with seven satellites and 16 experiments, a Minotaur 4 rocket blasted off at 4:25 p.m. Alaska time Friday (8:25 p.m. EST; 0125 GMT Saturday) from the Kodiak Launch Complex. It was the first orbital launch from the Alaska launch site since 2001.

Photo credit: Thom Rogers/T-Minus Productions Inc.   Photo credit: Thom Rogers/T-Minus Productions Inc.   Photo credit: Thom Rogers/T-Minus Productions Inc.   Photo credit: Steven Young/Spaceflight Now   Photo credit: Steven Young/Spaceflight Now   Photo credit: Steven Young/Spaceflight Now   Photo credit: Steven Young/Spaceflight Now   Photo credit: Steven Young/Spaceflight Now