The Landsat 9 satellite is the latest model in a string that monitors human activity on Earth, the endeavor launching in 1972. The latest edition of the complex satellite lays claim as the newest and most powerful planet-observing edition which launches today.
According to Newsweek, Landsat 9 is a joint project between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. The Landsat line of satellites is charged with the mission of monitoring Earth’s land and coastal regions. They’re intended to assess humans’ contribution to climate change and the state of the planet overall.
The outlet stated the latest edition of the Landsat satellites launches later today from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch itself takes place at 2:11 E.T. Of the occasion NASA shared via Twitter:
The #Landsat legacy is long and storied, but the mission is a team player. With our partners like @USGS, Landsat data is one thread in a tapestry of Earth observations. We look forward to tomorrow, watching Landsat 9 take its place with its peers in orbit.https://t.co/FYvyaOyplj pic.twitter.com/CeTPZAkGCE
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) September 27, 2021
The Landsat 9 is no doubt complex. With a high-resolution camera and an infrared sensor, it has the ability to monitor the Earth in 11 spectral bands. It additionally has an advanced zoom. With this, Landsat 9 can clearly hone in on objects on the planet within a distance of 50 feet.
Landsat 9 Satellite Contributes to Earth’s Ecological Well-Being
As mentioned before, the Landsat 9 is a complex satellite and hosts a vast array of potential. With the ability to monitor our entire planet 438 miles above Earth’s surface, scientists may assess issues from crop management to water irrigation systems. And that’s only the beginning.
The satellite intends to image our entire planet once every 16 days. This provides insight into human effects on the planet and environment on a regular basis. Landsat 9 follows Landsat 8 into orbit, the previous satellite phasing out 8 days following the launch. In this way, the conjoined agencies may receive maximum global coverage as Landsat 9 situates itself.
Of the launch, NASA shared, “Landsat 9 will extend our ability to measure changes on the global land surface at a scale where we can separate human and natural causes of change.” The satellite serves as a jump point for scientists and other professionals to decide the best course of action when it comes to climate change and human response.
In connection to climate change itself, the national agency further stated, “When land use and resource availability issues arise, Landsat 9 will help decision-makers make informed management decisions.”
Overall, it appears the latest Landsat launch remains a crucial part of our maintenance of Earth and efforts to combat climate change. As the complex technology provides details into issues plaguing the planet, our only hope is that officials internationally choose to actively do something about them.
