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.

@nbc6 Good morning. Does anyone know what this is? It was spotted this am at 6:28 am by the Homestead Airforce Base. pic.twitter.com/eKiARNSCGY — GreenArdor (@GreenArdor) September 2, 2015

@nbc6 saw something bright shooting through the sky this am. Started as size of a star and got 20 times bigger. Any idea what it was? — Claire Donahue (@clairedonahue) September 2, 2015

@nbc6 this was on the sky this morning around 6:17am pic.twitter.com/P7TPsV72Ih — Clau HS (@hoosuec) September 2, 2015

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

https://twitter.com/Pedrao_USA/status/639031806034079748

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!