The massive Delta IV Heavy rocket lifts off carrying NROL-37 for the National Reconnaissance Office. (United Launch Alliance)

This weekend, the world's largest and most powerful rocket launched into space –and it was every bit as impressive as you'd imagine it would be.

The rocket launched the NROL-37 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Saturday afternoon.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket is prepared for launch at Space Complex-37. (United Launch Alliance)

According to the United Launch Alliance (ULA), the mission is "."

The mission's description is intentionally vague as the NROL-37's activities are , Space.com reports. The NRO oversees the operation of the U.S.'s spy satellites.

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(United Launch Alliance)

The rocket lifted off with live coverage from ULA.

It was initially supposed to launch last week, but stormy weather caused a delay.

(United Launch Alliance)

The Delta IV Heavy rocket may not be largest rocket for much longer: Gizmodo reports SpaceX's Falcon Heavy is slated to be , while Space.com reports NASA's Space Launch System megarocket (coming soon in 2018) will generate quadruple the thrust.

Even so, the Delta IV Heavy rocket is an astonishing 232 feet tall, requiring no fewer than three boosters.

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(United Launch Alliance)

"At launch, the Delta IV Heavy generates about 2.1 million lbs. of thrust, making it the most powerful rocket in use today," Mike Wall of Space.com writes.

The rocket can carry a payload of almost 15,000 pounds, which means it must be a very large satellite to warrant the use of the Delta IV Heavy rocket.

NASA Spaceflight suggests it could be an.

(United Launch Alliance)

(United Launch Alliance)

(United Launch Alliance)

(United Launch Alliance)

(United Launch Alliance)

(United Launch Alliance)

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