Dec. 13, 2012 • Orbital Sciences Corp., the LDCM spacecraft provider, held a press briefing on Dec. 13 following the successful completion of the LDCM satellite integration and just prior to the satellite’s shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, where it is scheduled for launch on Feb. 11, 2013.
The press conference provided technical and scientific information about the newest Landsat satellite and mission. The LDCM satellite is 20 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and weights in at just over 6600 pounds. Its four solar arrays, when fully extended, will reach 32 feet out from the satellite.
Related coverage:
+ New Landsat Satellite Scheduled for Launch
+ Satellite built by Gilbert’s Orbital Sciences to launch in February
+ Gilbert company creates a new set of eyes in space; launch is in Feb.
+ Gilbert firm designed, tested new satellite
+ Orbital Offers Unique Look at Next Landsat Program Satellite

Above the Earth, Below the Surface: Landsat’s Role in Monitoring Water Quality
Safeguarding freshwater resources is crucial, and while scientists use a variety of ground-based techniques to gauge water quality, the Landsat program has provided water quality data from orbit for decades.