Magellan GPS satellite launches from Cape Canaveral

Lifting off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the United Launch Alliance sent the GPS II SVO2 Magellan satellite into orbit. The satellite rode into space aboard a Delta IV rocket. The U.S. Air Force satellite was built by Lockheed Martin, with the goal of improving global navigation. It's mission is to provide improved accuracy, better anti-jam resiliency and a new signal for civilian users.

The launch was also the last mission for a Delta IV medium rocket. The rockets were first used for satellite launches starting in 2002. The next generation rocket is named Vulcan.