NASA has officially released the Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for the Landsat 10 spacecraft, marking a significant step in the long-standing collaboration between the space agency and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This mission aims to maintain the continuity of multispectral Earth observation data that has been collected for decades, providing essential insights into global landmasses and coastal regions for researchers and policymakers.

The solicitation, which became available for review in late May 2026, outlines an extensive scope of work for potential contractors. The selected partner will be responsible for the end-to-end design and fabrication of the satellite bus, as well as observatory-level performance testing and the integration of the government-furnished Landsat Instrument Suite (LandIS). The project also includes the development of high-fidelity simulators and support for launch vehicle integration and on-orbit commissioning.

Landsat 10 is designed to operate in a sun-synchronous, near-polar orbit at an altitude of 653 kilometers, with a repeating ground track every 18 days. The Class C mission is expected to support a launch mass of up to 4,000 kilograms and features advanced onboard autonomy to ensure a minimum five-year operational lifespan. Once the satellite is successfully commissioned in orbit, operational control will transition to the USGS.

This upcoming mission promises enhanced spectral and spatial capabilities compared to previous iterations, such as Landsat 8 and 9. By ensuring the consistent flow of high-quality environmental data, Landsat 10 will remain a cornerstone for monitoring natural and human-induced changes to the planet, supporting critical efforts in resource management and environmental science for years to come.