[Source: USGS Landsat] During the 2014 Northern Hemisphere growing season the daily imaging rate will be gradually increased to optimize Landsat 8’s science data collection.
An average of 550 images per day have been collected since operations began on May 30, 2013. The collection rate will be incrementally increased to approximately 650 images per day, and will continue at a conservative rate until all day-lit descending land images are scheduled or until any indication of a ground system limit is identified.
After the 2014 Northern Hemisphere growing season, the daily collection rate will be set to the optimal daily imaging rate established by the study.