Jason Rhian <\/p>\n
August 10th, 2017 <\/p>\n
Image Credit: Orbital ATK <\/p>\n
The U.S. Geological SurveysLandsat 9 spacecraft is making steady progress toward its planned launch in December of 2020. If everything goes as currently planned, the satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The contract to produce the spacecraft was awarded in 2016 and will mark the continuation of a program that can trace its lineage back 45 years. <\/p>\n
When it launches,Landsat 9 will map the terrain far below its position in Sun-synchronous orbit from which it will collect data and space-based imagery. Data will be used by officials for land-management, agricultural purposes, emergency response (to include disaster relief), and mapping. <\/p>\n
As the fourth Landsat satellite built by Orbital ATK, Landsat 9 aptly demonstrates thecompanys expertise in delivering high-quality land imaging satellites that exceed theexpectations of our customers, said Steve Krein, Vice President of Science andEnvironmental Programs at Orbital ATK, via a release issued by the company. Based on NASAs positive assessment of ourprogress, we are well positioned to build on our legacy of Landsat success and executeon the next phase of development. <\/p>\n
Orbital ATK was awarded the contract to produce the Landsat 9 spacecraft in October of 2016. The Dulles, Virginia-based company is both designing and constructing the satellite, which will incorporate instruments provided by NASA and the USGS. <\/p>\n
Landsat 9 recently underwent, and successfully completed, itspreliminary design review, which was carried out between July 18 and July 20 at Orbital ATKs facilities in Gilbert,Arizona. The test checked out all of the spacecrafts system and schedule requirements. <\/p>\n
With Landsat 9, the overall length of the Landsat Program will reach half a century. Orbital ATK also built Landsat 8, 5, and 4, which were launched in 2013, 1984, and 1982, respectively. <\/p>\n
Landsat 9 is based on theLEOStar-3 satellite bus platform, which was also used for Landsat 8 and is what the ICESat-2 and JPSS-2 spacecraft being developed for NASA will use. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Tagged: Landsat 9 NASA Orbital ATK The Range United States Geological Survey <\/p>\n
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Continued here:<\/p>\n
US Geological Survey's Landsat 9 satellite progressing toward 2020 launch - SpaceFlight Insider<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jason Rhian August 10th, 2017 Image Credit: Orbital ATK The U.S. Geological SurveysLandsat 9 spacecraft is making steady progress toward its planned launch in December of 2020. Continue reading