New GPS satellite launched into space

[July 16, 2011]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- A Delta 4 rocket has rumbled into the sky from Cape Canaveral carrying a GPS satellite.

The rocket lit up the sky at 2:41 a.m. Saturday after two consecutive days of delays for technical and weather issues. The rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket placed the navigation satellite into the Global Positioning System constellation for the Air Force.

The GPS 2F satellites provide enhanced military signals that have greater accuracy and are more resistant to signal jamming. They also have some civilian applications and a longer life expectancy than the previous generation of satellites.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.