The Landsat program has reached a significant milestone, archiving its 9 millionth scene, which represents a satellite image capturing an area approximately 115 miles wide. Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Landsat archive is the longest continuous record of Earth from space, spanning 50 years. This extensive collection of images aids researchers and the public in understanding the planet's changes over time.

Landsat 8 and its successor, Landsat 9, work in tandem to provide comprehensive coverage of Earth's land and coastal regions every eight days. This collaboration allows for near real-time data collection, essential for monitoring various environmental changes, including deforestation, ice loss, and urban expansion.

The history of the Landsat program includes challenges and advancements. After the unsuccessful launch of Landsat 6 in 1993 due to a rocket failure, the team learned from the setback and successfully launched Landsat 7 six years later. Since 1972, at least one Landsat satellite has continuously orbited Earth, revolutionizing our ability to gather digital data from space.

Landsat satellites collect light data, with Landsat 9 capable of detecting 16,384 shades, significantly enhancing the detail captured in images. This capability allows for better analysis of coastal waters, dense forests, and other critical environments. The satellites utilize two main instruments: OLI 2, which captures sunlight reflected from the Earth's surface, and TIRS 2, which measures thermal infrared wavelengths to assess temperature variations.

The Landsat program, a joint effort between NASA and the USGS, continues to provide invaluable data for monitoring natural resources and understanding environmental changes, marking 50 years of impactful satellite observation and data collection.