The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking information on system concepts and innovative approaches for its Sustainable Land Imaging Architecture study which is examining how best to extend the Landsat data record. The Landsat program is the longest running continuous space-based record of earth observations, which is jointly managed by NASA and USGS. On September 18, NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) held a public forum, the Sustainable Land Imaging Architecture Study Industry Partner Day, to solicit ideas, information, and discussion. The forum was in response to a request from President Obama to create a sustainable effort to collect global observation data in a constricted fiscal environment. Alternative ideas to the at times costly Landsat program include dedicated spacecraft, formation flying, hosted instruments, and integration of multiple datasets, for at least the next two decades of information gathering.

The closing date for the Request for Information is October 18, 2013. NASA and USGS will continue to encourage community engagement through workshops and discussions at professional meetings in the coming months.

Sources: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey