An international research satellite intended to help improve the monitoring of climate change issues has been successfully launched from the Central Coast.
Tens of thousands of people in the region were able to see the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base Saturday morning.
The satellite will give scientists improved data on some climate change issues. It has advanced technology to map sea level rise around the world.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully carried the satellite into space, with a 9:17 a.m. liftoff. The main booster than landed back at Vandenberg Air Force Base, creating a big sonic boom as it was landing.
The satellite is named after a late NASA researcher who for decades championed the use of satellites to monitor global climate issues.