Posted: Fri, Feb 21, 2014, 7:26 AM ET (1226 GMT)
A Delta 4 rocket successfully launched a GPS navigation satellite on Thursday evening. The Delta 4 Medium-Plus (4,2) lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 8:59 pm EST Thursday (0159 GMT Friday) carrying the GPS 2F-5 satellite, releasing it into orbit approximately three and a half hours later. The launch took place at the end of a 19-minute launch window after space radiation readings extended a planned hold. The satellite will enter service by May, replacing a satellite that has lasted more than twice its design life. The launch was scheduled for October but delayed because of an investigation into an engine anomaly during a late 2012 Delta 4 launch.
