This June 27, 2009 NASA image shows a Delta IV rocket being launched with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite aboard. -- PHOTO: AFP

CAPE CANAVERAL - A SOPHISTICATED new weather satellite rocketed into orbit on Saturday, giving forecasters another powerful tool for tracking hurricanes and tornadoes.

An unmanned rocket carrying the nation's latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite blasted off early on Saturday evening, a day late because of thunderstorms.

The satellite headed toward a 35,400km-high orbit, where it will undergo six months of testing. It will circle Earth as a spare and be called into service when needed.

The Goes satellite network provides continuous weather monitoring for 60 per cent of the planet, including the United States. The newer ones also monitor solar flares that can disrupt communications on Earth, and track climate change.

This is the second of the more advanced Goes satellites to be launched, containing sensors capable of providing better location data and higher resolution pictures of storms.

'These are probably about the most sophisticated weather satellites that we actually have on this planet ... off this planet,' said Andre Dress, deputy project manager for Nasa.

Nasa manages the development and launch of Goes satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The one launched on Saturday, Goes O, will be renamed Goes 14 once it reaches its proper orbit in 1{ weeks.

The mission cost US$499 million (S$725 million), including the cost of the Delta IV rocket. -- AP