An unmanned Atlas 5 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shortly before midnight on Friday.

The rocket carried a GPS 2F-7 spacecraft, which will join a constellation of other satellites already orbiting 17,700 kilometres above Earth. The GPS satellite will provide navigation for both military and civilian users.
The craft, when it becomes operational, will replace a 17-year-old satellite. The older satellite will be used as a back-up for the new one.

Special Reporter