The first Landsat was placed in orbit on 23 July 1972, followed by a series of missions that have provided nearly continuous, two-satellite 8-day repeat image coverage of the Earth's land areas for the last half-century. These observations have substantially enhanced our understanding
of the Earth's terrestrial dynamics, both as a major element of the Earth's physical system, the primary home of humans, and the major source of resources that support them. The history of Landsat is complex, reflective of the human systems that sustain it. Despite the conflicted perspectives
surrounding the continuation of the program, Landsat has survived based on worldwide recognition of its critical contributions to understanding land dynamics, management of natural resources and Earth system science. Launch of Landsat 9 is anticipated in Fall 2021, and current planning for
the next generation, Landsat Next is well underway. The community of Landsat data users is looking forward to another 50 years of the Landsat program.
Comparative analysis of Geomechanics and General System Theory, Earth System Science and Geomechanics’ unique advantages in comprehensive survey of natural resources
