NASA launches largest Earth observation satellite to date

By Agence France-Presse
Monday, February 11, 2013 14:30 EDT
A launch pad tower is rolled back to reveal the Atlas-V rocket with Landsat Data Continuity Mission spacecraft on February 11, 2013, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. (AFP)
 
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The United States launched its latest Earth observation satellite Monday atop an Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA said.

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission satellite was the latest in a line of satellites used to continuously gather imagery from space of the Earth’s land surface, coastal areas and coral reefs.

“Everything is looking good, and the engine is operating normally,” a NASA announcer said after the rocket roared off its launch pad.

Once in orbit, the satellite will be turned over to the US Geological Survey.

 
 
 
 
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