Landsat 7, a collaboration between USGS and NASA, exceeded its five-year mission to observe the Earth for 25 years, providing crucial data on environmental changes. Despite a technical setback, 78% of the satellite’s imaging pixels remain usable and highly accurate. The imagery enabled studies on land use, disasters, and urban growth, influencing over 5,000 scientific publications and 1,414 policy documents across 143 countries. Landsat Next, planned for 2030/2031, will build on this legacy with enhanced capabilities for monitoring Earth’s landscapes and addressing modern challenges. Landsat 7 leaves behind a lasting impact on global Earth science research.
https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/end-era-historic-landsat-7-mission-takes-final-images