NASA Launches New Satellite Into Orbit - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

(KCEN) -- A new space-based tracking satellite is now in orbit, launched into space yesterday evening by NASA.

Liftoff happened at exactly 8:48 Eastern Time at Cape Canaveral, Fla.

NASA's tracking and data satellite will be in orbit for 15 years, relaying messages and data between spacecraft in orbit and ground stations.

It's responsible for communication for the International Space Station as well as the Hubble Space Telescope.