Earth-monitoring satellite launches from California

The latest in a series of US satellites that has recorded human and natural impacts on Earth's surface for decades was launched into orbit from California on Monday to ensure continued observations in the era of climate change. Landsat 9 was carried into space aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that lifted off from foggy Vandenberg Space Force Base at 11.12am. Separation of the satellite from the rocket's upper stage was expected by early afternoon.