NASA's Landsat-9 Earth-observing satellite to launch on Sept 27 from California coast

US space agency NASA is set to launch its newest powerful Earth-observing satellite - Landsat 9 - into orbit from California coast on Monday, September 27. According to a press release, Landsat 9, which is continuation of a series of Earth-observing spacecraft stretching back to almost 50 years, will be sent upon an Atlas rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. scheduled lift-off time is 2:12pm EDT (11:42pm IST). 

While speaking at a press conference, NASA launch director Tim Dunn said that spacecraft, Atlas V rockets, all range equipment, are rey. Dunn informed that mission has a 30-minute window in which to lift off from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 3E. He said that four small CubeSats will also launch into orbit with Landsat-9, ding that two will study solar wind and exoplanet atmosphere as part of NASA research and or two will be flying undisclosed mission for US Space Force. 

According to US space agency, Landsat 9 will be joining its sister satellite, Landsat 8, in collecting images from across planet every eight days. US Space Force has predicted a 90 per cent chance of favourable wear conditions for launch. NASA said that equipment onboard Landsat 9 will give a boost to space scientists’ ability to measure changes on global land surface. 

NASA's Landsat programme

Landsat programme is a joint effort by NASA and US Geological Survey. programme has provided constant imagery of Earth for nearly 50 years. satellite carries a high-resolution camera and a sensitive infrared sensor that toger can image Earth across 11 spectral bands and resolve objects down to about 15 meters wide. Landsat 9 is expected to improve and expand upon an “unparalleled record” of Earth. 

Landsat 9 is designed to last at least 5 years in orbit. It will replace ageing Landsat 7, which is also in use today. It is worth mentioning that Landsat satellites have been studying Earth since 1972. If NASA is unable to launch satellite on Monday, a backup launch window is available on Tuesday, with similar wear conditions expected. 

(Image: Twitter)