A new environmental satellite that will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world soared into space this morning after a picture-perfect launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA-N Prime spacecraft lifted off at 10:22 UC aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket from NASA’s Space Launch Complex 2. Approximately 65 minutes later, the spacecraft separated from the Delta II SLV.
Shortly after liftoff, flight controllers tracked the launch vehicle’s progress using real-time telemetry data relayed through NASA’s Tracking and Date Relay Satellite System. NOAA-N Prime was in a power positive mode with its solar array deployed approximately five minutes after spacecraft separation. NOAA-N Prime was renamed NOAA-19 after achieving orbit.
NOAA N 1 33591U 09005A 09037.47464079 -.00000043 00000-0 00000+0 0 16 2 33591 98.7318 346.7380 0015655 243.2097 116.8530 14.10795454 03