VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket carrying a NASA/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite was successfully launched from Space Launch Complex-2 here Saturday, Nov. 18, at 1:47 a.m. PST.
The Delta II rocket carried the first satellite of the Joint Polar Satellite System.
Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the space launch commander.
The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) is the Nation’s advanced series of polar-orbiting environmental satellites. JPSS represents significant technological and scientific advancements in observations used for severe weather prediction and environmental monitoring. This data is critical to the timeliness and accuracy of forecasts three to seven days in advance of a severe weather event. JPSS is a collaborative effort between NOAA and NASA.