NEWTOWN, Conn. - While Landsat-7 remained operational, the retirement of Landsat-5 made the need for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), or Landsat-8, more pressing. Landsat-8 launched on board an Atlas V launch vehicle on February 11, 2013.
With the launch, the Landsat program will enter a period of increased uncertainty. NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) would like to build another satellite to replace Landsat-7, thereby maintaining a network of two satellites. With two satellites, the agencies can pass over any given spot on Earth once every eight days. With only one spacecraft, that figure jumps to once every 16 days.
The agencies have studied a number of different ways to supplement Landsat-8 data once Landsat-7 is retired. They could build another large satellite, they could utilize smaller less capable satellites, or they could rely on another source - such as UAVs - to gather data. The agencies will also study purchasing data from other governments or from commercial sources.
They agencies enjoy support from the White House to create a more systematic Landsat program, with more frequent satellite purchases. However, they will need to contend with the tight budget environment in Washington at this time. There will be no appetite to purchase another nearly-$1 billion satellite that, like Landsat-8. NASA and the USGS will likely need to find another way to supplement Landsat data.
Landsat-8 is expected to continue service throughout the decade, and will be replaced early next decade.
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