A sophisticated weather satellite aimed at monitoring the earth's climate and global warming trends has been launched after two delays.
According to NASA, the NOAA-N Prime satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world.
The satellite is also equipped with sensors which allow it to be used in global search and rescue operations.
Scientists say NOAA's satellites have proven vital to their understanding of weather patterns and their affects on ecosystems worldwide.
By tracking the same areas over a period of years, the satellites have been able to provide a decades-long picture of climate change.
SOUNDBITE (English) NASA SCIENTIST MOLLY BROWN
