Orbital Offers Look at Next Landsat Program Satellite
WHAT: Orbital Sciences Corporation will offer a first look at the completed Landsat Data
Continuity Mission Satellite (LDCM) satellite.
Upon its launch from California in early 2013, LDCM will be known as Landsat 8 and will continue the NASA and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth observations program. The newest LandSat in the fleet will extend the 40-year legacy of previous Landsat satellites that have continuously collected data and images of the Earth’s surface to benefit numerous industries, including agriculture, emergency response and disaster relief. Highlights of the media tour will include:
. Walking tour of Orbital’s satellite manufacturing facility
. Viewing of the LDCM spacecraft
. Briefing on the technical aspects of the design, manufacturing and testing of the satellite
. Briefing on use for water availability and irrigation research
. Briefing on use and value of Landsat data in Arizona
WHO: Mike Miller, Orbital’s Senior Vice President for Science and Environmental Satellite Programs
Daren Iverson, Orbital’s LDCM Program Manager
Dr. Prasad Thenkbail, a USGS science expert and Research Geographer
Dr. Susan Moran of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Tucson
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012
2:30-4:00 p.m. MST
WHERE: 1721 West Elliot Rd
Gilbert, AZ. 85233
USA
MEDIA
NOTES: Media will be allowed to photograph the LDCM through a viewing window.
However, Orbital will also provide professional photographs taken one day prior.
Orbital will also provide media with link to broadcast video b-roll site: http://www.orbital.com/newsInfo/media/.
This is an industrial facility. Media participants in attendance should wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes.
OTHER: About Landsat: The suite of Landsat satellites have collected multi-spectral land
images and data of the Earth’s continental surfaces for more than 40 years. This data is collected by 17 ground stations worldwide and used to positively impact industries, including agriculture, geology, forestry, regional planning, education, mapping, global change research, emergency response and disaster relief. Orbital is building LDCM for NASA and U.S. Geological Survey, which share responsibility for the Landsat program. More information about Landsat can be found at http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Landsat.html. Broadcast quality video can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/landsat/main/index.html.
About Orbital: Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com.
