NASA launches latest satellite in the Landsat programme
Recommended for Secondary Grades
Landsat programme
On 27 September, NASA launched Earth observation satellite Landsat-9. They launched it on an Atlas V 401 rocket, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the US.
Landsat-9 is the latest satellite in the Landsat programme. This is a joint programme of NASA and the USGS (United States Geological Survey).
What is the Landsat programme?
The Landsat programme is the world’s longest-running progaramme that captures satellite imagery of Earth. The first satellite in the programme launched in 23 July 1972.
Since 1972, NASA and USGS have launched eight Landsat satellites (including Landsat-9). In between, Landsat-6 failed during its launch. Now, Landsat-9 will work together with Landsat-8. And the two satellites will collect images spanning the entire planet every eight days.
Landsat-9 is carrying two instruments, the Operational Land Imager 2 (OLI-2) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor 2 (TIRS-2). They will measure 11 wavelengths of light reflected or radiated off Earth’s surface.
The Landsat programme
Since 1972, Landsat satellites have collected more than 9 million scenes and helped provide data for more than 18,000 research papers. The Landsat programme has observed Earth, recording its changes – the growth of the cities, and the changing shapes of coasts, forests, deserts and glaciers.
Moreover, we have also used it to observe wildlife. They include wildebeest and wombats to woodpeckers and walrus.
Are you interested in the latest news updates? We at Curious Times are committed to providing the best experience and news to children. Our educational website for news and information is age-appropriate and also a lot of fun. Do also check out the Curious Times Weekly newspaper every week and The Curious Magazine every month. We are delighted to publish the creative art, photographs, write up and more that children send us in My Expressions. We would love to get feedback and hear from you. Do write to us at hello@curioustimes.in. Your favourite newspaper for kids! You can also reach out to us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.
0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)