Awwal 03, 1432 H/Feb 06, 2011, SPA -- A rocket carrying a national security payload has been successfully launched from California's central coast, according to AP. Air Force officials say the Minotaur 1 rocket took off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 4:26 a.m. on Sunday amid clear skies. The launch scheduled for Saturday had been delayed by a day because of power problems with the rocket's safety equipment. The four-stage, solid-fueled rocket was carrying a research and development spacecraft for the National Reconnaissance Office, but officials gave no further details on the craft's purpose or cost. Vandenberg officials say the base's 30th Space Wing, the Orbital Sciences Corporation, the Space and Missile Systems Center and the National Reconnaissance Office collaborated on the project.
