How 26 new light bands will revolutionize Earth observation
For over 50 years, Landsat satellites have watched our changing planet. But a new era is approaching. The upcoming Landsat Next mission will use a massive leap in spectral technology to detect what the human eye cannot, from atmospheric pollution to crop stress.
Since 1972, the partnership between NASA and the US Geological Survey has maintained a continuous record of Earth's surface. The program has evolved from the first generation—Landsats 1, 2, and 3, which used a Multispectral Scanner to capture just 4 spectral bands—to the current Landsat 8 and 9. Today, these orbiting satellites monitor 11 spectral bands, capturing visible, near-infrared, and thermal energy to track everything from the Amazon rainforest to the Sahara Desert.
The Landsat Next mission represents a fundamental re-conception of this legacy. Planned to launch by late-2030, the mission will move away from single large spacecraft toward a constellation of three smaller, identical satellites. This trio is designed to provide much higher temporal frequency; while Landsat 8 and 9 can observe a spot on Earth every eight days, the Landsat Next constellation aims to provide coverage every six days at the equator.
The most significant leap is the move to 'superspectral' imaging. While current satellites use 11 bands, Landsat Next will detect 2'6 wavelengths of light and thermal energy. This expansion includes 15 new, carefully selected bands. For instance, Band 1 will be dedicated to detecting fine atmospheric particles like smoke and dust, while other bands will monitor water quality and vegetation health. Furthermore, the spatial resolution will sharpen significantly: moving from the current 98-foot (30-meter) pixels to much finer 33 to 66-foot (10 to 20 m) pixels.
This technological surge is not just about clarity, but utility. By detecting specific wavelengths, scientists can identify unhealthy crops through changes in near-infrared light or track sediment in shallow coastal waters. As Bruce Cook, the project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, notes, this represents the largest leap in capability since Landsat 4.
Source: Beyond the Visible: Landsat Next's New Spectral Bands
