Atlas V rocket launch

The Atlas V rocket carrying a NASA and USGS Landsat 8 satellite lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 11, 2013 8:59 PM PT

A rocket carrying a NASA and USGS Landsat 8 satellite is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Maxwell Heuring-McBride, 2, of Lompoc wears his astronaut suit while playing at Providence Landing Park in Lompoc as he waits for the launch of a Atlas V rocket. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Steve Homer of Solvang, left, joined many photographers at Providence Landing Park in Lompoc to view the launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)