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Landsat 3 continued the series of Earth observations with improvements over the first two orbiters. The Return Beam Vidicon had an improved spatial resolution of 40 meters, compared to 80 meters for Landsats 1 and 2. Its Multispectral Scanner was modified to include a thermal infrared band. However, this thermal band failed shortly after launch.
Type
Earth Observation Satellite
Launch
March 5, 1978
Objective
Continuously acquire imagery of Earth’s land surface for environmental and resource management
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides science for a changing world, which reflects and responds to society’s continuously evolving needs. The USGS brings an array of earth, water, biological, and mapping data and expertise in support of decision-making on environmental, resource, and public safety issues.
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