The Wind River Range, located in west-central Wyoming, is a unique wilderness area that rises from the high plains of the South Pass of the Continental Divide and runs northwest to the Yellowstone Plateau. The Winds, as they are affectionately known, are exceptionally long, wide, high, rugged, and remote.
What is the Landsat satellite program and why is it important?
The Landsat Program is a series of Earth-observing satellite missions jointly managed by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey.
On July 23, 1972, in cooperation with NASA, the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) was launched. It was later renamed Landsat 1. Additional Landsat satellites have launched to bring the world an archive of remote sensing data. Currently orbiting and active satellites are Landsat 8, and Landsat 9.
NASA and USGS are already planning the development of the follow-on SLI missions, to include Landsat Next, the successor mission to Landsat 9.
Landsat satellites have the optimal ground resolution and spectral bands to efficiently track land use and to document land change due to climate change, urbanization, drought, wildfire, biomass changes (carbon assessments), and a host of other natural and human-caused changes.
The Landsat Program’s continuous archive (1972-present) provides essential land change data and trending information not otherwise available. Landsat represents the world’s longest continuously acquired collection of space-based moderate-resolution land remote sensing data. Landsat is an essential capability that enables the U.S. Department of the Interior to wisely manage Federal lands. People around the world are using Landsat data for research, business, education, and other activities.
Learn more:
Related
How do I open Landsat satellite data files? How do I open Landsat satellite data files?
Many image processing programs can handle GeoTIFF and Cloud optimized GeoTIFF (COG) Landsat files, including free software like Multispec and QGIS. To view Landsat scenes without using specialized software, download Landsat Full Resolution browse images (.jpg) from EarthExplorer or GloVis. * The USGS does NOT endorse or support specific software packages. Any usability questions relating to...
What are the best Landsat spectral bands for use in my research? What are the best Landsat spectral bands for use in my research?
The Spectral Characteristics Viewer is an interactive tool that can be used to visualize how the bands, or channels, of different satellite sensors measure the intensity of the many wavelengths (colors) of light. This is also known as the relative spectral response (RSR). By overlaying the spectral curves from different features (spectra), one can determine which bands of the selected sensor will...
After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download? After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download?
Landsat scenes become available through EarthExplorer within 6 hours after acquisition and become visible in GloVis within 24 hours. See Landsat Acquisitions for acquisition calendars and information about daily schedules.
Are there any restrictions on the use or redistribution of Landsat data? Are there any restrictions on the use or redistribution of Landsat data?
There are no restrictions on Landsat data downloaded from the USGS; it can be used or redistributed as desired. We do request that you include a statement of the data source when citing, copying, or reprinting USGS Landsat data or images. Details are on the EROS Data Citation page. Learn more: USGS Copyrights and Credits statement
Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location? Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location?
The Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites together acquire approximately 1,500 scenes daily. These scenes are available for download within 6 hours of acquisition. Landsat satellite acquisitions are managed as a system, known as a satellite constellation. Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAPs) direct and optimize the daily acquisitions of each active Landsat satellite. Special requests for future...
How do I search for and download Landsat data? How do I search for and download Landsat data?
Landsat data products held in the USGS archives can be searched and downloaded at no charge from a variety of sources. Visit Landsat Data Access for information about how Landsat data products can be downloaded individually or in bulk. Landsat imagery not found in the USGS archive might have been collected by one of the USGS International Cooperator ground stations, each of which are the primary...
What Landsat products are available? What Landsat products are available?
There are several Landsat Collection 2 products that are useful for science applications and land use/land change studies: Landsat Level-1 Products - Each Level-1 product includes individual spectral band files, a metadata file, and additional ancillary files. Level-1 products are available for all global landmasses. Landsat U.S. Analysis Ready Data (ARD) - U.S. ARD uses Landsat Level-1 data as...
Landsat Mosaic of the Wind River Range in Wyoming
The Wind River Range, located in west-central Wyoming, is a unique wilderness area that rises from the high plains of the South Pass of the Continental Divide and runs northwest to the Yellowstone Plateau. The Winds, as they are affectionately known, are exceptionally long, wide, high, rugged, and remote.
Landsat 9 Image of Shiveluch Volcano
Found along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Russia’s Shiveluch Volcano began erupting on April 11, 2023. Huge ash clouds spewed from the main crater blanketing over 40,000 square miles (108,000 square kilometers). The tiny village of Klyuchi, about 30 mi (50 km) from the volcano, plunged into darkness.
Found along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Russia’s Shiveluch Volcano began erupting on April 11, 2023. Huge ash clouds spewed from the main crater blanketing over 40,000 square miles (108,000 square kilometers). The tiny village of Klyuchi, about 30 mi (50 km) from the volcano, plunged into darkness.
Landsat 8 Color Infrared Image of Lake Tahoe
This image of Lake Tahoe, California displays the landscape's vegetation properties in shades of red. This image was created using Bands 5,4, and 3 from data acquired by Landsat 8 on February 13, 2022.
This image of Lake Tahoe, California displays the landscape's vegetation properties in shades of red. This image was created using Bands 5,4, and 3 from data acquired by Landsat 8 on February 13, 2022.
Eyes on Earth Episode 6 - Satellites 101
How much does an Earth observation satellite weigh? How are they launched? How fast does it travel? Does Landsat have a gas tank? In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we answer some of the basic questions surrounding the satellites that define the EROS mission.
How much does an Earth observation satellite weigh? How are they launched? How fast does it travel? Does Landsat have a gas tank? In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we answer some of the basic questions surrounding the satellites that define the EROS mission.
Eyes on Earth Episode 1 - Intro to EROS
A rundown of the history of the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, the Landsat program, and the Center's role in the observation and study of landscape change worldwide.
A rundown of the history of the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, the Landsat program, and the Center's role in the observation and study of landscape change worldwide.
Landsat in Action - Land Cover and Land Cover Change with Tom Loveland
Tom Loveland talks about using Landsat's data for land use and land cover change research.
Find this video and thousands more at https://usgs.gov/gallery.
Tom Loveland talks about using Landsat's data for land use and land cover change research.
Find this video and thousands more at https://usgs.gov/gallery.
Landsat in Action - The Importance of Landsat with Curtis Woodcock
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Every Pixel - Landsat's Orbit
Ever wonder how Landsat 8 orbits our planet? Here is an overview to explain this part of how we capture every pixel.
Ever wonder how Landsat 8 orbits our planet? Here is an overview to explain this part of how we capture every pixel.
Landsat In Action - Assessing Global Impact with Alan Belward
Alan Belward from the European Union's Joint Research Center discusses how Landsat helps his team promote sustainable development.
Alan Belward from the European Union's Joint Research Center discusses how Landsat helps his team promote sustainable development.
Landsat In Action - Monitoring Polar Ice Caps with Ted Scambos
Ted Scambos, Lead Scientist at the National Snow & Ice Data Center, talks about the roll of Landsat in his research studying polar regions.
Ted Scambos, Lead Scientist at the National Snow & Ice Data Center, talks about the roll of Landsat in his research studying polar regions.
Landsat 8 Swath Animation
The Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center has created a video animation describing how Landsat 8 orbits the Earth. The video explains the 16-day cycle for capturing imagery of the entire world.
The Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center has created a video animation describing how Landsat 8 orbits the Earth. The video explains the 16-day cycle for capturing imagery of the entire world.
What's the Big Idea? — Charting Change from the Skies
Tom Loveland, research scientist with the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, explains how he uses data — both past and present — to help scientists, natural resource managers, and the public better understand how the face of the planet is shifting and what that change means.
Tom Loveland, research scientist with the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, explains how he uses data — both past and present — to help scientists, natural resource managers, and the public better understand how the face of the planet is shifting and what that change means.
2012 Landsat Promotional Global Perspective of Natural Changes
A promotional video on Landsat's Global Perspective of Natural Changes.
A promotional video on Landsat's Global Perspective of Natural Changes.
An Idea That Worked
On September 21, 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall issued a press statement stating his belief that "the time is now right and urgent to apply space technology towards the solution of many pressing natural resources problems being compounded by population and industrial growth." This video provides a sense of America's long-term commitment to conservatio
On September 21, 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall issued a press statement stating his belief that "the time is now right and urgent to apply space technology towards the solution of many pressing natural resources problems being compounded by population and industrial growth." This video provides a sense of America's long-term commitment to conservatio
Related
How do I open Landsat satellite data files? How do I open Landsat satellite data files?
Many image processing programs can handle GeoTIFF and Cloud optimized GeoTIFF (COG) Landsat files, including free software like Multispec and QGIS. To view Landsat scenes without using specialized software, download Landsat Full Resolution browse images (.jpg) from EarthExplorer or GloVis. * The USGS does NOT endorse or support specific software packages. Any usability questions relating to...
What are the best Landsat spectral bands for use in my research? What are the best Landsat spectral bands for use in my research?
The Spectral Characteristics Viewer is an interactive tool that can be used to visualize how the bands, or channels, of different satellite sensors measure the intensity of the many wavelengths (colors) of light. This is also known as the relative spectral response (RSR). By overlaying the spectral curves from different features (spectra), one can determine which bands of the selected sensor will...
After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download? After a Landsat scene is collected, when will it become available for search and download?
Landsat scenes become available through EarthExplorer within 6 hours after acquisition and become visible in GloVis within 24 hours. See Landsat Acquisitions for acquisition calendars and information about daily schedules.
Are there any restrictions on the use or redistribution of Landsat data? Are there any restrictions on the use or redistribution of Landsat data?
There are no restrictions on Landsat data downloaded from the USGS; it can be used or redistributed as desired. We do request that you include a statement of the data source when citing, copying, or reprinting USGS Landsat data or images. Details are on the EROS Data Citation page. Learn more: USGS Copyrights and Credits statement
Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location? Can Landsat satellite acquisition requests be made for a specific date and location?
The Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites together acquire approximately 1,500 scenes daily. These scenes are available for download within 6 hours of acquisition. Landsat satellite acquisitions are managed as a system, known as a satellite constellation. Long-Term Acquisition Plans (LTAPs) direct and optimize the daily acquisitions of each active Landsat satellite. Special requests for future...
How do I search for and download Landsat data? How do I search for and download Landsat data?
Landsat data products held in the USGS archives can be searched and downloaded at no charge from a variety of sources. Visit Landsat Data Access for information about how Landsat data products can be downloaded individually or in bulk. Landsat imagery not found in the USGS archive might have been collected by one of the USGS International Cooperator ground stations, each of which are the primary...
What Landsat products are available? What Landsat products are available?
There are several Landsat Collection 2 products that are useful for science applications and land use/land change studies: Landsat Level-1 Products - Each Level-1 product includes individual spectral band files, a metadata file, and additional ancillary files. Level-1 products are available for all global landmasses. Landsat U.S. Analysis Ready Data (ARD) - U.S. ARD uses Landsat Level-1 data as...
Landsat Mosaic of the Wind River Range in Wyoming
The Wind River Range, located in west-central Wyoming, is a unique wilderness area that rises from the high plains of the South Pass of the Continental Divide and runs northwest to the Yellowstone Plateau. The Winds, as they are affectionately known, are exceptionally long, wide, high, rugged, and remote.
The Wind River Range, located in west-central Wyoming, is a unique wilderness area that rises from the high plains of the South Pass of the Continental Divide and runs northwest to the Yellowstone Plateau. The Winds, as they are affectionately known, are exceptionally long, wide, high, rugged, and remote.
Landsat 9 Image of Shiveluch Volcano
Found along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Russia’s Shiveluch Volcano began erupting on April 11, 2023. Huge ash clouds spewed from the main crater blanketing over 40,000 square miles (108,000 square kilometers). The tiny village of Klyuchi, about 30 mi (50 km) from the volcano, plunged into darkness.
Found along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Russia’s Shiveluch Volcano began erupting on April 11, 2023. Huge ash clouds spewed from the main crater blanketing over 40,000 square miles (108,000 square kilometers). The tiny village of Klyuchi, about 30 mi (50 km) from the volcano, plunged into darkness.
Landsat 8 Color Infrared Image of Lake Tahoe
This image of Lake Tahoe, California displays the landscape's vegetation properties in shades of red. This image was created using Bands 5,4, and 3 from data acquired by Landsat 8 on February 13, 2022.
This image of Lake Tahoe, California displays the landscape's vegetation properties in shades of red. This image was created using Bands 5,4, and 3 from data acquired by Landsat 8 on February 13, 2022.
Eyes on Earth Episode 6 - Satellites 101
How much does an Earth observation satellite weigh? How are they launched? How fast does it travel? Does Landsat have a gas tank? In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we answer some of the basic questions surrounding the satellites that define the EROS mission.
How much does an Earth observation satellite weigh? How are they launched? How fast does it travel? Does Landsat have a gas tank? In this episode of Eyes on Earth, we answer some of the basic questions surrounding the satellites that define the EROS mission.
Eyes on Earth Episode 1 - Intro to EROS
A rundown of the history of the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, the Landsat program, and the Center's role in the observation and study of landscape change worldwide.
A rundown of the history of the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, the Landsat program, and the Center's role in the observation and study of landscape change worldwide.
Landsat in Action - Land Cover and Land Cover Change with Tom Loveland
Tom Loveland talks about using Landsat's data for land use and land cover change research.
Find this video and thousands more at https://usgs.gov/gallery.
Tom Loveland talks about using Landsat's data for land use and land cover change research.
Find this video and thousands more at https://usgs.gov/gallery.
Landsat in Action - The Importance of Landsat with Curtis Woodcock
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Boston University Professor Curtis Woodcock talks about the significance Landsat was had in science and what he hopes to see as the mission continues.
Every Pixel - Landsat's Orbit
Ever wonder how Landsat 8 orbits our planet? Here is an overview to explain this part of how we capture every pixel.
Ever wonder how Landsat 8 orbits our planet? Here is an overview to explain this part of how we capture every pixel.
Landsat In Action - Assessing Global Impact with Alan Belward
Alan Belward from the European Union's Joint Research Center discusses how Landsat helps his team promote sustainable development.
Alan Belward from the European Union's Joint Research Center discusses how Landsat helps his team promote sustainable development.
Landsat In Action - Monitoring Polar Ice Caps with Ted Scambos
Ted Scambos, Lead Scientist at the National Snow & Ice Data Center, talks about the roll of Landsat in his research studying polar regions.
Ted Scambos, Lead Scientist at the National Snow & Ice Data Center, talks about the roll of Landsat in his research studying polar regions.
Landsat 8 Swath Animation
The Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center has created a video animation describing how Landsat 8 orbits the Earth. The video explains the 16-day cycle for capturing imagery of the entire world.
The Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center has created a video animation describing how Landsat 8 orbits the Earth. The video explains the 16-day cycle for capturing imagery of the entire world.
What's the Big Idea? — Charting Change from the Skies
Tom Loveland, research scientist with the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, explains how he uses data — both past and present — to help scientists, natural resource managers, and the public better understand how the face of the planet is shifting and what that change means.
Tom Loveland, research scientist with the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, explains how he uses data — both past and present — to help scientists, natural resource managers, and the public better understand how the face of the planet is shifting and what that change means.
2012 Landsat Promotional Global Perspective of Natural Changes
A promotional video on Landsat's Global Perspective of Natural Changes.
A promotional video on Landsat's Global Perspective of Natural Changes.
An Idea That Worked
On September 21, 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall issued a press statement stating his belief that "the time is now right and urgent to apply space technology towards the solution of many pressing natural resources problems being compounded by population and industrial growth." This video provides a sense of America's long-term commitment to conservatio
On September 21, 1966, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall issued a press statement stating his belief that "the time is now right and urgent to apply space technology towards the solution of many pressing natural resources problems being compounded by population and industrial growth." This video provides a sense of America's long-term commitment to conservatio
Updated Date: June 17, 2025