He had complained frequently that the Air Force was not getting ground forces the reconnaissance support they needed in overseas conflicts, and there was continuous friction over modernization priorities (Gates eventually terminated a fighter program championed by the purged Air Force leaders).

FORBES: Air Force Positions For Resurgence In Pacific Era

"Landsat is a centerpiece of NASA's Earth Science program, and today's successful launch will extend the longest continuous data record of Earth's surface as seen from space, " NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement.

CNN: NASA cheers new Landsat launch