Atlas V rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force base Monday morning
An Atlas V rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force base late Monday morning.
The launch went as planned at 11:12 a.m. from the military base outside Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. The facility, previously called Vandenberg Air Force Base, was renamed in May. Monday's launch was a joint mission for NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey
United Launch Alliance's rocket carried a Landsat 9 satellite into orbit. Landsat satellites have provided a record of Earth's changing landscapes for nearly 50 years, according to the mission overview.
The new satellite will collect global data on forests, farms, cities and freshwater regions. Landsat 9 will join its predecessor, Landsat 8, in orbit, with the two satellites collecting images of Earth's landscapes and coastal regions every eight days.
Rocket launches from Vandenberg are often visible in Ventura County, though cloud cover can get in the way. It's not uncommon for launches to be postponed due to bad weather or equipment issues.
The launch was streamed online through United Launch Alliance at www.ulalaunch.com/ via the "watch live" tab. Live updates heading into the countdown start at 3 a.m.
You can also follow United Launch Alliance's Twitter feed, @ulalaunch.