A Delta 2 rocket was successfully launched Saturday carrying a NASA satellite that will measure soil moisture of the Earth's surface. The data the satellite obtains will be utilized for weather forecasting and tracking climate change.

Scientists believe soil moisture links all of Earth's ecological and biological systems. Data from the satellite will enable forecasters to find more effective ways of dealing with drought or flooding in different regions.

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The rocket blasted-off at 9:22 A.M. EST from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It was built by United Launch Alliance is a partnership of Lockheed Martin and Boeing corporations and measures 127 feet tall.

The launch was delayed for two days due to high winds and minor repairs to the rocket's insulation system. On top of the rocket is NASA's 2,100 pound SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) satellite that will spend at least three years measuring the Earth's surface water to a depth of two inches in the soil.

Global soil moisture accounts for less than one percent of the Earth's total water reservoir. The rest of the 97 percent are found in the world's oceans and ice sheets, said Dara Entekhabi from MIT, who is also the lead scientist for NASA's SMAP observatory.

To date, scientists rely on computer simulations to estimate soil moisture. SMAP will use two microwave instruments to measure soil moisture as it orbits Earth from 426 miles above.

It will take every two to three days to collect new data that includes exact soil measurements from every point and area on the planet.

This data is pivotal not only for scientists to understand further climate change but also for weather forecasters, agriculture and water resource managers and even world policy makers. according to NASA deputy associate administrator Geoffery Yoder.

SMAP will join 19 other satellites in studying the planet's seas, land and atmosphere. SMAP will cost NASA US$916 million for this three year project. including the launch.

TagsNASA, SMAP, NASA SMAP launch satellite soil moisture Earth, NASA Successfully Launches Groundbreaking SMAP Satellite to Study Earth's Soil Moisture