A NASA commentator called the satellite "America's most advanced eye in the sky" as it thundered off the launch pad against a black night sky. The satellite offers "higher resolution" and "more frequent updates" every 30 seconds to five minutes, on a range of weather patterns, he said. "The lightning information is kind of like going from a black and white television to a high-definition television system," he added. Experts said they hope the satellite will save lives by improving forecasts, severe weather outlooks, watches and warnings, so people have more time to evacuate before a hurricane or major storm. "This is going to put us back on top when it comes to satellite technology," said popular television weatherman Al Roker, in an interview on NASA television.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 20, 2016 01:20 UTC