Landsat Data Continuity Mission is an American Earth observation satellite which was launched in 2013 as part of the Landsat program. The eighth satellite in the series, and the seventh to reach orbit successfully, Landsat Data Continuity Mission is operated by NASA and the United States Geological Survey.
Landsat Data Continuity Mission is the eighth and latest satellite of the Landsat program. LDCM joins Landsat 7 on-orbit providing increased coverage of the Earth's surface as part of the Landsat program.
Collaboration between NASA and the US Geological Survey to obtain measurements of the Earth's radiation in the visible, near-infrared, short wave infrared, and thermal infrared. The data and imagery collection are to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The satellites track changes in agricultural output, urban sprawl, water consumption, and other land-use trends.
Alternate Names
LDCM = Landsat 8
Facts in Brief
Mission type: Earth observation
Launch date: 11 February 2013, 18:02.536 UTC
Launch vehicle: Atlas V-401
Carrier rocket: AV-035
Launch site: Space Launch Complex 3E; Vandenberg Air Force Base
Mission duration: 5-10 years (planned)