NASA's crucial Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite successfully launched Saturday morning from Vandenburg Air Force Base, California.

A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket took off from the Air Force base, carrying the satellite into space. Thesatellite will orbit Earth on a three-year mission, gathering information and monitoring water and energy fluxes, NASA says. Its purpose is to take a closer look at Earth's soil moisture and freeze/thaw state, measuring and mapping information.

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Every two to three days, the satellite will create global maps designed to provide scientists with the best possible information on droughts and floods around the world, Space.com reports. The satellite will do this by using an advanced radar and radiometer, which will allow the satellite to look beneath features on the Earth's, from clouds to vegetation.

The satellite's mission will aid with a variety of issues, including efficient forecasting,drought monitoring and a better understanding of climate change, the Los Angeles Times says.

SMAP's launch was originally scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:20 a.m. but was canceled due to upper-level wind shear above the launch site. The launch was rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 30 at 6:20 a.m. but was canceled again after a problem with the booster insulation of the Delta II rocket was discovered during inspections, the LA Times reported.

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