Justin was recently named to the Landsat Science team. Super cool, check out the article at the link below. Here's a little exerpt:
Landsat Science Team to Help Guide Next Landsat Mission
"Landsat satellites have witnessed over four decades of changes on Earth. In
advance of the next Landsat spacecraft launch, the Landsat Data Continuity
Mission, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), announces the selection of the
Landsat Science Team. This expert team of scientists and
engineers will serve a five-year term, from 2012-2017, and provide technical and
scientific input to USGS and NASA on issues critical to the success of the
Landsat program.
"Landsat is a versatile tool that is used by farmers, scientists, and city
planners," said Matt Larsen, USGS Associate Director for Climate and Land Use
Change. "In fact, it’s used by a broad range of specialists to assess some of
the world’s most critical issues — the food, water, forests, and other natural
resources needed for a growing world population. This team will help the Landsat
program reach its highest potential."
Since 1972, the United States has acquired and maintained a unique,
continuous record of the global land surface. This impartial record has become
indispensable for detecting and monitoring natural and human-induced changes to
the Earth’s landscape.
The Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM), which will become Landsat 8
following launch in February 2013, is designed to extend Landsat’s comprehensive
global record for at least five years.
"The team will form a science vanguard in advancing the analysis and
application of Landsat data for science and resource management," said Jim
Irons, LDCM Project Scientist for NASA. "Their guidance will be invaluable as we
plan for the long term future of the Landsat program."
As recognized national and international leaders in land remote sensing,
Landsat Science Team members will evaluate operational and data management
strategies to meet the requirements of all Landsat users, including the needs of
policy makers at all levels of government. They will play a key role in ensuring
that the LDCM mission is successfully integrated with past, present, and future
remotely sensed data for the purpose of observing national and global
environmental systems.
The Landsat Science Team members and their areas of study are:
Developing and enhancing Landsat derived evapotranspiration and surface
energy products
- Dr. Richard Allen, University of Idaho
- Dr. Ayse Kilic, University of Nebraska
- Dr. Justin Huntington, Desert Research Institute
http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3429
