Launch officials have deemed the rescheduled launch of a Delta II rocket a success. The rocket took off from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Feb. 6.
“It was 100 percent successful,” said Mike Rein, a media representative with United Launch Alliance.
The rocket is carrying a polar-orbiting weather satellite for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world, according to the NASA website.
The satellite collects meteorological data that will be used to make long-range weather and climate forecasts for the National Weather Service. Forecasters all over the world will have access to the satellite’s images and data.
The launch was originally scheduled for Feb. 4, but was rescheduled because of poor weather conditions.
The launch took place during the 20th anniversary month of the first Delta II launch on Feb. 14, 1989, from Space Launch Complex 17, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
“We are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Delta II by successfully launching this critically important spacecraft for both NASA and NOAA, and we congratulate our mission partners on their success,” Jim Sponnick, vice president of Delta Product Line, said in a recent press release.
He cited 138 launches as proof of the Delta II’s success.
This article appears in Feb 12-19, 2009.
