The European Union was set to launch the second satellite in its much- delayed Galileo navigation system designed to rival the American GPS system.
Named Giove-B, the satellite will test technologies to be used in the Galileo system including an atomic clock that the EU says will be the most accurate in space.
Touted as technologically superior to GPS, Galileo is scheduled to be operational by 2013.
Senior EU officials were monitoring the launch of Giove-B from the Fucino control centre in central Italy.
Galileo promises to more than double existing GPS coverage, providing navigation for motorists, sailorss, pilots and emergency rescue teams. It would improve coverage in high-latitude areas such as northern Europe and in big cities where sky-scrapers can block signals.
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