Explore Lompoc Partners with NASA and USGS to Celebrate 50 Years of Landsat Ahead of September's Landsat 9 Launch
The NASA/USGS Landsat 9 satellite is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 16. The public can get a front-row seat for the blastoff at locations throughout Lompoc and surrounding areas.
LOMPOC, Calif., Aug. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The NASA/USGS Landsat 9 satellite is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 16. The public can get a front-row seat for the blastoff at locations throughout Lompoc and surrounding areas. This year's launch marks the 50th anniversary of the NASA/U.S. Geological Survey's Landsat program, that provides a valuable resource for decision makers in such diverse fields such as agriculture, forestry, land use, water resources and natural resource exploration.
For nearly five decades, the Landsat mission has provided the longest continuous record of Earth's land surfaces from space, and this data archive informs and influences not just the U.S., but countries all across the world. Information gathered by Landsat helps world leaders and policymakers gain a deeper understanding of environmental change, respond to natural disasters, and even forecast future crop production.
To commemorate Landsat and its importance to our understanding of Earth, Explore Lompoc, NASA, and USGS are hosting a number of "Launch Week" events in the city of Lompoc during the days prior to the launch.
"We are working together with Explore Lompoc to make the week leading up to the launch a fun and educational experience by offering Landsat-themed events beginning September 12," says Ginger Butcher, NASA Landsat 9 Communications and Public Engagement lead. "There will be something for everyone--including a geocaching tour, a family fun night, an art exhibition and collage workshop, plus hands-on activities at the Lompoc Airport launch viewing site. All are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the Landsat mission and an appreciation for our planet." An interactive and entertaining way for visitors to learn more about Landsat's history, early pioneers, and applications of Landsat data to benefit society is with the Landsat in Lompoc GeoTour. This first ever GeoTour in southern California, along with a Landsat-themed Adventure Lab, challenges players to discover caches located around town and rewards those who complete it with some exclusive souvenirs. A new Lompoc mural that celebrates Landsat 9's launch and the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the program will be unveiled September 12.
For a list of activities and to learn more about Landsat, go to https://explorelompoc.com/landsat.
Explore Lompoc suggests these locations to view the launch:
Lompoc Airport – Connect with NASA and USGS representatives, participate with interactive exhibits, displays and games. (NASA/USGS official viewing site.)
Surf Beach – If skies are clear and the beach isn't closed due to security issues, Surf Beach can be another great place to view the launch.
West Ocean Avenue – Minutes from downtown Lompoc, West Ocean Avenue provides a good viewing location (depending on weather).
Top of Harris Grade Road – this is the farthest location from the launchpads but is a good elevation and distance if the fog rolls in.
Hawk's Nest – The Hawk's nest viewing area (found on maps as Camellia Lane or Azalea Lane) is another high elevation viewing site if weather conditions are unfavorable.
Lompoc, located in Santa Barbara County, is the closest city to Vandenberg Space Force Base. "Lompoc and NASA have developed a strong bond over the decades," shared Explore Lompoc President Gilda Cordova. "People come to Lompoc looking to experience the sights and sounds of rockets blasting off into orbit as well as exploring the other activities that the town and surrounding areas have to offer."
For a complete list of Lompoc's year-round events, wineries, restaurants, lodging establishments and other attractions, visit http://www.explorelompoc.com.
Note: Launch dates can sometimes change.
Media Contact
Diane Rumbaugh, Rumbaugh Public Relations, +1 (805) 493-2877, [email protected]
SOURCE Explore Lompoc
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