Orbital ATK has launched Nasa’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.

Launched aboard Orbital ATK’s Pegasus rocket, CYGNSS is an eight-satellite constellation and part of Nasa’s earth system science pathfinder mission that aims to collect space-based measurements within tropical cyclones.

"As a vertically integrated launch system, Pegasus combines key Orbital ATK strengths from multiple locations across the company.”

The CYGNSS constellation is designed to provide data that would help improve cyclone and hurricane forecasting, as well as tracking methods.

During the first phase of the launch, both the CYGNSS and Pegasus rocket were carried into the atmosphere beneath Orbital ATK's Stargazer L-1011 carrier aircraft.

After reaching altitudes of 39,000ft, they were released from the aircraft.

It was followed by the ignition of Pegasus, which carried CYGNSS to its destination of 35° orbital position to allow the constellation to survey the mid-latitudes where most cyclones form.

Orbital ATK flight systems group president Scott Lehr said: “As a vertically integrated launch system, Pegasus combines key Orbital ATK strengths from multiple locations across the company.”

Designed as an air-launched system, Pegasus can operate from virtually anywhere on Earth with minimal ground support requirements.

Orbital ATK facilities in the states of Arizona, Virginia, California, and Utah, have produced the rocket’s avionics and control systems, solid rocket motors, and composite structures.

Conducted by Pegasus, the latest mission was originally planned on 13 December, but was postponed by a day due to an issue with the launch vehicle release system on L-1011 Stargazer.

However, the second launch was also aborted because of a software issue involving the eight satellites, reported Florida Today.

Image: Orbital ATK's Pegasus rocket launched Nasa's CYGNSS weather monitoring spacecraft. Photo: courtesy of Orbital ATK.