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Although only two Landsats were originally anticipated, the program’s principal scientists sought to launch a third satellite for continued coverage because they found a wide variety of applications for the data. There was also interest in advancing the sensors and improving the data.

A long string of Earth-observing orbiters began with NASA's Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS). Launched in July 1972, it was the first satellite explicitly designed to study our planet. Three years later, the satellite was renamed Landsat 1. Outlasting its one-year design, Landsat 1 retired in January 1978.

After launch in 1975, Landsat 2 began to collect remote sensing data. Outliving its one-year design, Landsat 2 achieved seven years of operation. With two Landsats in orbit, scientists gleaned additional views of the planet. With this uninterrupted data, the record of the Earth's land surface could always be recorded, allowing for reliable imaging for scientists, policy makers, and land managers.

This year was huge for the Landsat Program. Here are three major Landsat events from 2021. Use the map to explore the stories we've shared with you this year.

The Map and Data Products page offers bulk download of the Fire Danger Forecast data suite.

The Phenology Viewer provides a dynamic online map interface that can be used to view USGS Remote Sensing Phenology and other datasets.

The EDNA Watershed Atlas contains watershed characteristics for major named rivers of the contiguous U.S. including maps, images, legends, and statistics derived from the EDNA Watershed Characteristics model.

Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) Viewer Notes The viewer uses extensive JavaScript and frames which means some browsers may not be able to support full interactive capabilities. Additionally, the viewer may be difficult for some users to interpret. These users may contact EROS Customer Services, or the maintainer of these pages for assistance.

The Vegetation Dynamics/Drought viewer provides a dynamic online map interface that can be used to view USGS and other data.

The USGS has developed a national inventory of significant topographic changes based on seamless multitemporal elevation data and land cover data. The National Elevation Dataset (NED) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data form a unique pair of seamless elevation datasets that can be used to detect and analyze 20th century topographic surface changes in the United States.

The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center Science Processing Architecture (ESPA) On-Demand Interface is used to request processing and services for Landsat Science Products.

Find all the matching pairs of images in the shortest amount of time!