Landsat Next

Next Generation Earth Observation - NASA & USGS Partnership

The Future of Earth Observation

Landsat Next represents a quantum leap in Earth observation capabilities with 26 spectral bands, enhanced resolution, and a three-satellite constellation designed to monitor our planet's changing landscape with unprecedented detail.

Welcome to Landsat Next

Landsat Next is the upcoming generation of the world's longest-running satellite program for Earth observation. A collaborative mission between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Landsat Next will revolutionize our ability to monitor land use, water resources, agriculture, climate change, and natural disasters.

Scheduled for launch in late 2030/early 2031, Landsat Next will feature a constellation of three smaller satellites, each equipped with advanced instruments capable of measuring 26 wavelengths of light and thermal energy—more than twice the spectral bands of current Landsat satellites.

Key Features & Capabilities

26 Spectral Bands

More than double the 11 bands of Landsat 8 and 9, enabling enhanced analysis of vegetation health, water quality, soil composition, and atmospheric conditions.

Enhanced Resolution

Spatial resolution of 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) for most wavelengths—a significant improvement over the current 30-meter resolution.

Three-Satellite Constellation

Provides coverage of the same area every six days at the equator, dramatically improving temporal resolution for time-sensitive applications.

Advanced Thermal Imaging

Five thermal infrared bands (up from two) for improved surface temperature measurements and emissivity analysis.

Water Quality Monitoring

Enhanced visible bands specifically designed for monitoring water quality, algal blooms, and coastal ecosystems.

Vegetation Analysis

Red edge and additional near-infrared bands for detailed crop health assessment, forest monitoring, and plant stress detection.

Mission Applications

Critical Earth Science Applications

  • Climate Change Monitoring: Track glaciers, snow cover, land surface temperature, and vegetation changes
  • Water Resources Management: Monitor water quality, reservoir levels, irrigation, and wetland ecosystems
  • Agriculture & Food Security: Assess crop health, predict yields, and optimize agricultural practices
  • Forest & Land Use: Detect deforestation, urban expansion, and land cover changes
  • Disaster Response: Support wildfire monitoring, flood mapping, and post-disaster assessment
  • Coastal & Marine Science: Study coastal erosion, coral reef health, and ocean color

The Landsat Legacy

Since 1972, the Landsat program has provided the longest continuous record of Earth's land surface as observed from space. This invaluable archive enables scientists to detect changes, understand trends, and predict future conditions for our planet.

Landsat data is freely available to everyone and has been used in countless applications—from managing natural resources and monitoring environmental health to supporting disaster response and climate research. Landsat Next will continue and enhance this remarkable legacy.

Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Landsat Science, USGS Landsat Missions

Program Status

Current Development

The Landsat Next mission is currently in the development phase. In 2024, NASA awarded Raytheon Company a $506.7 million contract to build the Landsat Next instrument suite (LandIS). The mission architecture is being refined to ensure the most cost-effective approach to maintaining the continuity of Landsat imagery.

Target Launch: Late 2030 / Early 2031

Source: NASA Landsat Science Team, USGS Landsat Missions Program

Explore More

Dive deeper into the Landsat program and discover how these satellites have transformed our understanding of Earth:

Official Sources & References