VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (February 6, 2009)--A rocket carrying a new U.S. global weather satellite blasted off Friday from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The NOAA-N Prime satellite was launched aboard a Delta 2 rocket from the central coast base early Friday morning.

The launch was planned for Wednesday, but was postponed because of launch pad technical problems.

NOAA-N Prime is the last in a series of polar-orbiting satellites that have been observing Earth's weather since 1960.

Its data will be used for long-range weather and climate forecasts.

The satellite also carries sensors that can receive distress signals from mariners and hikers.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration manages the $564 million mission.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co built the satellite.

[CentralTexasVotes.com: Candidates, Campaigns And More ]
[More Local And State News]
[More National News]
[More Business News]
[Latest Religion News]
[Latest Health News]
[Latest Entertainment News]
[OffBeat News]
[News From Our Town]
[Latest Soldier Stories]
[Sports]
[Weather]
[Blogs]


[Today’s Forecast And Current Conditions]
[Don’t Let Sudden Storms Catch You By Surprise. Download News Central Desktop Alert.]
[Find Out How To Receive Doppler Ten Radar, Weather Information And News On Your Web-Enabled Cell Phone.]





Save some money! Save a tree! Get your morning news delivered directly to your email