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New GPS satellite launched into space

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — 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.

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket launched successfully Saturday July 16, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The rocket carried an Air Force Global Positioning System IIF-2 satellite. Associated Press