The observation of Earth is about to embark on a new chapter with the upcoming launch of Landsat Next, scheduled for 2030. This project promises to continue and transform Earth system science, offering more detailed and frequent data on our planet’s surface.
A Glimpse into Landsat Next
Landsat Next will be a constellation of three identical satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 653 kilometers. These “triplets” will provide higher spatial resolution observations on a new global grid system called the Worldwide Reference System-3. With a 6-day revisit cycle for any location on Earth’s land and coastal regions, Landsat Next will offer a much more frequent temporal revisit capability than the current 16-day repeat cycles of Landsat 8 and Landsat 9.
Advancements in Spatial and Spectral Resolution
In addition to the frequency of observation, Landsat Next will enhance spatial resolution, allowing for the detection of smaller features and more accurate characterization of land surfaces, surface waters, and coastlines. Pixel resolution ranges will vary from 10 to 60 meters.
Landsat Next will also expand its spectral capacity, including refined bands from Landsat 8 and 9, bands similar to those of Copernicus’s Sentinel-2 satellites to facilitate merging of joint data products, and 10 new spectral bands to support emerging applications such as algal bloom detection, ice sheet monitoring, and surface emissivity estimation.
Emerging Applications
The improvement in spatial resolution and the expansion of spectral bands will transform the ability to monitor and predict landscape changes. Landsat Next will enhance research and public services in areas such as fire monitoring and recovery, water resources management, agricultural development, ecosystem health, and urban growth.
Conclusion
Landsat Next represents a significant advancement in Earth observation, ensuring the continuity and quality of the longest space-based record of Earth’s land surfaces. With its launch planned for 2030, we are on the brink of a new era in Earth system science that promises to further benefit society.
For more information about Landsat Next, visit website: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/fs20243005