Florida: US military satellite launched into space

The Atlas 5 rocket put the first satellite of the Defence Departments new missile-warning system into orbit.The satellite would orbit around the earth and release infrared rays which would detect missiles fired from land. The satellite would provide missile warning, missile defence and technical intelligence for the United States and its allies.The satellite, the first of four scheduled for launch over the next five years, is intended to provide the U.S. military with early notice of missile launches and other reconnaissance services.