CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida - A new military satellite has been launched into space.

An unmanned Atlas 5 rocket lifted off into a cloudless sky Saturday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It carried the Space-Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite.

The spacecraft will provide missile warning, missile defense, battlefield reconnaissance and technical intelligence for the United States and its allies.

The space infrared network includes four satellites that orbit the Earth at the same speed as the planet rotates 22,000 miles (35,400 kilometers) above the ground. More satellites will be added.

Friday's launch attempt was foiled by cloudy weather.