Landsat 9: Earth Observation from 705 km
Landsat 9 is the latest satellite in the Landsat programme, a joint initiative by NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor Earth's surface. Launched on 27 September 2021, it continues a legacy of Earth observation that began with Landsat 1 in 1972.
What is Landsat 9?
Landsat 9 is the latest satellite in the Landsat programme, a joint initiative by NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to monitor Earth's surface. Launched on 27 September 2021, it continues a legacy of Earth observation that began with Landsat 1 in 1972. The satellite is designed to capture high-resolution images across a range of spectral bands, providing critical data for agriculture, forestry, land use planning, and environmental monitoring.
Mission and Purpose
The primary mission of Landsat 9 is to observe and document changes on Earth's surface. It does so by capturing images in visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared wavelengths. This data helps scientists track changes in land cover, assess agricultural productivity, monitor water resources, and study natural disasters. Landsat 9's data is freely available to the public, supporting a wide range of scientific and commercial applications.
Orbital Characteristics
Landsat 9 orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 705 kilometres in a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit. This orbit allows it to pass over the same location on Earth every 16 days, providing consistent and comparable data over time. The satellite's inclination is approximately 98.2 degrees, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Earth's surface. Landsat 9 is catalogued with the NORAD ID 49260.
Significance and Legacy
Landsat 9 builds on the legacy of its predecessors by continuing to provide uninterrupted data crucial for understanding environmental changes. The Landsat programme has been instrumental in revealing deforestation, urban sprawl, and the impacts of climate change. As part of the longest-running enterprise for acquiring satellite imagery of Earth, Landsat 9 ensures the continuation of this invaluable record, which is used by scientists, policymakers, and educators worldwide.
Current Status
As of 2026, Landsat 9 remains operational, providing high-quality data to users around the globe. Its instruments are functioning as expected, and the satellite continues to deliver critical insights into Earth's changing landscapes. For those interested in tracking Landsat 9's current position and upcoming visible passes, the Orbital Radar pass predictor offers up-to-date information.
