Most of the Earth science satellites developed or operated by NASA during the last few decades, including the new Landsat Data Continuity Mission, were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Here's a look.
LDCM Gets an Eye Exam
You don't just launch a satellite into orbit and voilà , it takes measurements. Once in orbit, there are a series of check-out procedures to make sure it performs in space as it did in ground tests.
ESA Prepares Proba-V for Launch
The European Space Agency's Proba-V miniature Earth observation satellite is at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, where it is being prepared for an April launch atop a Vega launcher.
UASs to Monitor Potato Fields
Oregon State University researchers believe unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) could help farmers better manage resources in the field, lowering their costs while increasing yield of high-value crops.
Arctic Ice Cap Shrinks Again”Now Smallest Ever
Satellite observations show that in September 2012 the ice cap over the Arctic Ocean shrank to its lowest extent on record”about half the average summertime extent from 1979 to 2000.
Managing Fire in Etosha National Park
NASA's Terra satellite chronicles a prescribed burn from June 5-16, 2012, in northwestern Namibia, offering valuable lessons for park and wildlife managers everywhere.
U.S. Army Eyes Super-Small Surveillance Drones
The U.S. Army reportedly is interested in experimenting with two tiny Black Hornet unmanned aircraft systems that can fit in the palm of a hand, take photos and record video.
How Earth Observation Satellites Help Protect History
Looking down from orbit is an attractive way of monitoring historical sites in remote or politically unstable regions and often can help archaeologists make new discoveries.
Aerial Imaging Aids Wine Producers
California company VineView's new hyperspectral airborne sensor is helping growers produce better grapes by detecting specific diseases, irrigation stress and nutrient deficiencies.
Sentinel-3 Mission Progresses
The European Space Agency's Sentinel-3 satellite platform now is in France where instruments will be installed and tested for a sophisticated new mission to monitor Earth.
