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Huether, as well as mayors of nearby Harrisburg and Dell Rapids, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Tim Johnson and John Thune.
• Applause broke out following the successful launch.
• "It was awful impressive that hurry up and wait and long countdown...when that final countdown came down it got impressive and emotional," said Bob Sanders who has been following the work of the EROS for years and provides some of the printing needs for the organization.
• Sanders attended the launch watch with his wife and grandson, saying: "It's just amazing that the international scientists that come in here to study."
• Since 1972, the Landsat satellites have been providing images of the earth's changing landscape that orbit back to EROS. The U.S. Geological Survey recently decided to retire its Landsat 5 satellite after nearly 30 years in service, which left Landsat 7 to provide daily observations. Landsat 6 never reached orbit after its launch in 1993 because of a ruptured manifold.
• Once the Landsat 8 reaches 440 miles above Earth, the satellite will be able to start snapping photos that will be beamed back to the South Dakota lab, along with ground stations in Alaska and Norway.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The head of the Diocese of Sioux Falls says he's saddened by Pope Benedict XVI's announcement to resign.
• The pope announced Monday that he will resign Feb. 28. The 85-year-old said his advanced age undermines his ability. Benedict is the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years.
• Sioux Falls Bishop Paul Swain says Benedict is a teacher at heart who has "taught us to contemplate the higher things and to defend truth."
• Swain had been appointed by Benedict.
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