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Landsat 4 (TM) Satellite Images

In addition to the MSS sensor, Landsat 4 carried a new scanning sensor with improved spectral and spatial resolution. These high-resolution scanners have seven spectral bands that cover an area of 185 x 185 km. The Thematic Mapper (TM) scanner has the ability to observe a wider (and more scientifically-tailored) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and view the ground in greater detail. The instrument had seven spectral bands, collecting data from the blue, green, red, near-infrared, mid-infrared (2 bands) and thermal infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

In 1983, Landsat 4 lost two solar panels and both of its direct downlink transmitters. Hence, the downlink of data was not possible until the TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite) system became operational. In that case Landsat 4 could transmit data to TDRS using its Ku-band transmitter. TDRS could then relay this information to its ground stations. Landsat 4 remained in orbit for standby and data tracking until it was decommissioned on June 1st, 2001, at which point it was placed into a disposal orbit to reduce collision risk with other resident space objects.

Landsat 4 (TM) Characteristics

Characteristic Description
Participants
  • NASA
  • NOAA
  • EOSAT
  • DOI USGS
Launch Date 30148
Vehicle Delta 3920
Site Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Spacecraft
  • 3-axis stabilized, zero momentum with control of 0.01 deg using reaction wheels
  • Aluminum with graphite struts
  • Hydrazine propulsion system
  • Single solar array with 1-axis articulation
  • Three Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries provide 100 Ampere-Hour (AHr ) total
  • Retractable boom (4 m long) with 2 powered joints supports the articulated High Gain Antenna, which downlinked data via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)
  • Weight: approximately 4,300 lbs (1,942 kg)
Communications
  • Direct downlink with TDRSS
  • Data rate: 85 Mbps
  • Communications system uses S, X, L, and Ku Bands
  • Quantization: 8 bit (256 levels)
Orbit
  • Worldwide References System-2 (WRS-2) path/row system
  • Circular, sun-synchronous, near-polar orbit at an altitude of 705 km (438 mi)
  • Inclined at 98.2°
  • Circled the Earth every 99 minutes
  • Repeat cycle: 16 days
  • Equatorial crossing time: 9:45 a.m. +/- 15 minutes
  • Swath width: 185 km (115 mi)
Sensors
  • Multispectral Scanner (MSS)
  • Thematic Mapper (TM)
Scene size 170 km x 185 km (106 mi x 115 mi)
Design life Minumum of 3 years

Landsat 4 (TM) Bands

Sensor Band number Band name Wavelength (μm) Resolution (m) Band Applications
TM 1 Visible Blue 0.45 – 0.52 30 Bathymetric mapping, distinguishing soil from vegetation, and deciduous from coniferous vegetation
TM 2 Visible Green 0.52 – 0.60 30 Emphasizes peak vegetation, which is useful for assessing plant vigor
TM 3 Visible Red 0.63 – 0.69 30 Discriminates vegetation slopes
TM 4 NIR 0.76 – 0.90 30 Emphasizes biomass content and shorelines
TM 5 SWIR 1 1.55 – 1.75 30 Discriminates moisture content of soil and vegetation;
TM 6 Thermal 10.40 – 12.50 120 Thermal mapping and estimated soil moisture
TM 7 SWIR 2 2.08 – 2.35 30 Hydrothermally altered rocks associated with mineral deposits

Examples Of The Landsat 4 (TM) Satellite Images

Oshikoto Region, Namibia

Oshikoto Region, Namibia

18.87770°S 16.13892°E
Región de Antofagasta, Chile

Región de Antofagasta, Chile

23.31536°S 68.29926°W
Niger

Niger

12.99968°N 3.05969°E