5 Years of Landsat 8

Landsat 8, launched by NASA in 2013, continues a legacy of Earth observation since 1972. Managed by the US Geological Survey, it has exceeded its mission by providing valuable global data. The satellite's advanced design allows for more sensitive measurements, detecting more wavelengths and collecting unprecedented data. This enables scientists to monitor forests, assess water quality, and track glacier movements. Landsat 8's data is crucial for measuring agricultural productivity and understanding changes in the cryosphere. Despite a design life of five years, it remains operational, with future satellites in development to expand the Landsat archive, available for public use at no cost.

When was the Landsat 8 satellite launched?

• February 2013

• March 2012

• January 2014

• April 2015

Which organization is responsible for the mission operations of Landsat 8?

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• US Geological Survey

• European Space Agency

• NASA

What new capability does Landsat 8 have for detecting atmospheric conditions?

• Tracking volcanic eruptions

• Measuring ocean currents

• Detecting serious clouds

• Monitoring solar flares

How does Landsat 8 contribute to understanding changes in the cryosphere?

• By measuring sea levels

• By tracking glacier velocity

• By monitoring desertification

• By observing urban growth

What is the design life of Landsat 8, and is it still operational?

• Ten years, and it is still operational

• Five years, and it is still operational

• Three years, and it is no longer operational

• Seven years, and it is no longer operational