New Weather Satellite Launched
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New Weather Satellite Launched
A new global weather satellite was launched aboard a Delta 2 rocket Friday.
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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.
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