AKIPRESS.COM - The Arianespace consortium has successfully launched a rocket that lofted an Earth observation satellite for the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, the AP reported.

The satellite was carried into orbit by a Vega rocket late Tuesday from the consortium's spaceport in French Guiana in South America. The rocket's flight lasted 55 minutes.

Kazakhstan says it will use the satellite to monitor natural and agricultural resources, provide mapping data, and support for rescue operations.

The launch was Arianespace's fourth mission in 2014.

Arianespace is the commercial arm of the European Space Agency.