Open AccessSemi-Centennial of Landsat Observations & Pending Landsat 9 Launch
Author(s) -
Samuel N. Goward,
Jeffrey G. Masek,
Thomas R. Loveland,
John L. Dwyer,
Darrel L. Williams,
Terry Arvidson,
Laura E.P. Rocchio,
James R. Irons
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
photogrammetric engineering and remote sensing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.483
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 2374-8079
pISSN - 0099-1112
DOI - 10.14358/pers.87.8.533
Subject(s) - centennial , remote sensing , geography , satellite , earth observation , satellite imagery , meteorology , archaeology , engineering , aerospace engineering
The first Landsat was placed in orbit on 23 July 1972, followed by a series of missions that have provided nearly continuous, two-satellite 8-day repeat image coverage of the Earth's land areas for the last half-century. These observations have substantially enhanced our understanding of the Earth's terrestrial dynamics, both as a major element of the Earth's physical system, the primary home of humans, and the major source of resources that support them. The history of Landsat is complex, reflective of the human systems that sustain it. Despite the conflicted perspectives surrounding the continuation of the program, Landsat has survived based on worldwide recognition of its critical contributions to understanding land dynamics, management of natural resources and Earth system science. Launch of Landsat 9 is anticipated in Fall 2021, and current planning for the next generation, Landsat Next is well underway. The community of Landsat data users is looking forward to another 50 years of the Landsat program.