The Black Brant IX sounding rocket made a successful launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility last night, just a day after the launch was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

NASA says the launch's primary objective is to test new technologies that will ultimately make space missions less costly and reduce risk.

Scientists are testing the Black Brant motor in a two-stage configuration. NASA is also testing a new method of fabricating the payload that could do away with heavy, costly conventional technology.

In addition, a private contractor is using the vehicle to test three types of materials that could prove useful for future aerospace endeavors.

At approximately 130 miles above earth, the rocket will eject a vapor made from a barium-strontium mix that turns into blue-green and red clouds. The purpose of this, NASA says, is to study wind in space and the ionosphere.