Last weather satellite of its kind blasts off

updated 2:06 p.m. ET Feb. 6, 2009

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - A rocket carrying a U.S. global weather satellite has blasted off from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The NOAA-N Prime satellite was launched aboard a Delta 2 rocket from the central coast base at 2:22 a.m. PT (5:22 a.m. ET) Friday.

The launch had been planned for Wednesday, but it 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. The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.

MORE FROM SCIENCE

Science Section Front

Natural super glue found on asparagus spears It's a boy: Zoo tortoise reveals mistaken identity IBM computer simulates cat’s cerebral cortex Rare crocs found hiding in plain sight Austria says farewell to Fu Long the panda San Diego Zoo panda cub named ‘Son of Cloud’ Study paints sabertooths as relative pussycats Heart disease found in Egyptian mummies Cosmic Log: The scent of a dead celeb? Strange worms discovered eating dead whales Science Section Front   Add Science headlines to your news reader: