NASA launches largest Earth observation satellite to date

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.