Atlas 5 rocket launch carried a GPS 2F-7 spacecraft into orbit

A new Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite has been launched into space.

An unmanned Atlas 5 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shortly before midnight Friday.

The rocket carried a GPS 2F-7 spacecraft which will join a constellation of other satellites already orbiting 11,000 miles above Earth.

The GPS 2F-7 satellite (pdf) will provide navigation for both military and civilian users.

The craft, when it becomes operational, will replace a 17-year-old satellite.

The older satellite will be used as a back-up for the new one.

This was the second launch from Cape Canaveral this week.

A Delta 4 rocket lifted off on Monday, carrying a pair of military satellites.