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 earth and all of its resources and it is a continuous record for 50 years, landsat one was launched in 52 and now we have landsat nine. it is looking at foreigners, crops, how things have changed over those years, water resources, urban areas,