Payload electronics under development
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), based in Texas, is responsible for creating the electronic subsystems that will control the sensors and communications of the upcoming Landsat 10 mission. These components must endure the harsh space environment while providing high‑rate data transmission for Earth observation.
Flight software for mission operations
At the same time, SwRI is writing the flight software that will manage orbit control, power budgeting, and image acquisition. The code is being built with a modular architecture to allow future updates and re‑configurations.
Continuing a long‑standing partnership
The collaboration between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on the Landsat program dates back to 1972. Landsat 10 will extend the series with a tenth satellite, currently targeted for a 2031 launch.
Anticipated capabilities
The new spacecraft is expected to deliver higher spatial resolution and additional spectral bands, enhancing global monitoring of climate, land use and natural resources. Its data set will add to the more than ten million images already provided by the program.
Looking ahead
SwRI’s work on electronics and software is a critical element for Landsat 10’s success. Once in orbit, the satellite will integrate into the existing NASA‑USGS data infrastructure, ensuring continuity of Earth observation records.