February 22, 2006 - Synopsis Detailing Procurement of Free-Flyer Mission

By Landsat Missions

On December 23, 2005, the White House issued a memorandum adjusting the strategy for ensuring continuous availability of Landsat-type data.

The memo directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to acquire a Landsat data continuity mission in the form of a free-flyer spacecraft and to deliver its data to the Department of the Interior (DOI). The DOI, through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), will be responsible for operation of the spacecraft and for the collection, archiving, processing, and distribution of the land surface data to U.S. Government and other users.

On February 22, NASA published a synopsis of its approach to procure a free-flyer spacecraft, instrument, and operational systems/sustaining engineering support.

Technical documents relating to Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) can be found here.