Nasa launches X-ray telescope to scour Milky Way

A rocket carrying NASA's newest X-ray telescope has ignited its engine in midair over the Pacific and begun its climb to space.

Confirmation is expected that the telescope separated from the rocket Wednesday and is in the right orbit.

The U.S. space agency chose to air-launch the $170 million mission because it's cheaper than lifting off from a launch pad.

The two-year mission will hunt for black holes and other elusive celestial objects in the Milky Way and other galaxies.