what is arguably the world s most important satellite has launched to orbit from california. this is an atlas rocket taking off from vandenberg space force base in california. it s carrying some special cargo landsat 9, a satellite that will observe earth from orbit. it s the latest in a series of landsat missions going back almost 50 years. no other satellite has kept a longer, continuous record of the changing state of our planet. we re joined from florida by doctor ken kremer, who is a research scientist, and managing editor of space upclose. thank you very much forjoining us. it is great to have your new programme. i love that picture behind you that shuttle taking off. picture behind you that shuttle takin: off. , ,. taking off. yes, you. explain to us exactly taking off. yes, you. explain to us exactly what taking off. yes, you. explain to us exactly what landsat i taking off. yes, you. explainl to us exactly what landsat is. it is a critical satellite that will measure the