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VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. -- Dr. Thomas Loveland, senior scientist and co-chair of the Landsat Science Team U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, left, and Dr. Jim Irons, Landsat Data Continuity Mission project scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, speak to NASA social media followers at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., prior to the launch of the LDCM satellite. The Landsat Data Continuity Mission LDCM is the future of Landsat satellites. It will continue to obtain valuable data and imagery to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The Landsat Program provides repetitive acquisition of high resolution multispectral data of the Earth's surface on a global basis. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. It is a record unmatched in quality, detail, coverage, and value. Liftoff is planned for Feb. 11, 2013 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. For more information, visit: http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_landsat_main_index.html Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett