The Landsat program, initiated in 1972, is one of the longest-running satellite programs for Earth observations. The latest launch of a Landsat satellite was in 1999 with Landsat 7, which remains operational. NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are developing the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) to ensure data continuity. LDCM, also known as Landsat 8, will carry two Earth-viewing instruments: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). OLI will capture images in nine spectral bands with a spatial resolution of 30 meters, while TIRS will collect data in two thermal bands with a resolution of 100 meters. The LDCM satellite will operate in a near-polar, sunsynchronous orbit at 705 km altitude, providing seasonal coverage of the global land mass. The USGS will manage the ground system and operations, ensuring data collection, archiving, and distribution. The LDCM is scheduled for launch in December 2012, with nominal operations beginning in early 2013.The Landsat program, initiated in 1972, is one of the longest-running satellite programs for Earth observations. The latest launch of a Landsat satellite was in 1999 with Landsat 7, which remains operational. NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are developing the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) to ensure data continuity. LDCM, also known as Landsat 8, will carry two Earth-viewing instruments: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). OLI will capture images in nine spectral bands with a spatial resolution of 30 meters, while TIRS will collect data in two thermal bands with a resolution of 100 meters. The LDCM satellite will operate in a near-polar, sunsynchronous orbit at 705 km altitude, providing seasonal coverage of the global land mass. The USGS will manage the ground system and operations, ensuring data collection, archiving, and distribution. The LDCM is scheduled for launch in December 2012, with nominal operations beginning in early 2013.