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, AFP reported.

"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.