description Landsat 7 Overview
Landsat 7 is an Earth observation satellite launched on April 15, 1999, as part of the joint NASA–U.S. Geological Survey Landsat program. It carries the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor, which captures imagery in eight spectral bands at 15-to-60-meter resolution. In May 2003, the satellite's scan line corrector malfunctioned, resulting in data gaps affecting roughly 22% of each subsequent image.
Despite this, Landsat 7 continues to provide imagery for global land monitoring.
help Landsat 7 FAQ
What is the Scan Line Corrector failure on Landsat 7?
Landsat 7 suffered a permanent failure of its Scan Line Corrector (SLC) in May 2003. This hardware malfunction causes wedges of missing data, creating zigzag artifacts in the satellite's otherwise highly useful imagery.
Is Landsat 7 still transmitting data?
Yes, Landsat 7 is still actively orbiting Earth and acquiring images despite its 2003 hardware failure. The USGS continues to distribute the data, which scientists often process to minimize the gaps caused by the scan line issue.
What sensor does Landsat 7 use?
The satellite is equipped with the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+). This sensor captures eight spectral bands of data, including a panchromatic band with 15-meter spatial resolution and a thermal infrared band.
When was Landsat 7 launched?
Landsat 7 was successfully launched into polar orbit on April 15, 1999. It was a joint mission between NASA and the USGS designed to provide continuous Earth observation data.
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