Introduction
The satellite is an identical copy of Landsat 4 and was originally intended as a backup: it therefore carries the same instruments, including the Thematic Mapper and Multi-Spectral Scanner. The Multi-Spectral Scanner was powered down in 1995; it was reactivated in 2012. It was deployed at an altitude of 705.3 km and takes some 16 days to scan the entire Earth.
Longevity
Landsat 5 significantly exceeded its designed life-expectancy, lasting several decades beyond its original three year mission. In March 2009, Landsat 5 celebrated its 25th anniversary of operation, 22 years over its 3-year mission. In March 2012 the Landsat 5 mission celebrated 28 years in space. The Multi-Spectral Scanner was reactivated successfully in April 2012.
End of Mission
On December 21, 2012, USGS announced that Landsat 5 will be decommissioned in the coming months following the failure of one of its gyroscopes. The satellite has three gyroscopes, and requires two to function. It will likely be deactivated once the Landsat Data Continuity Mission satellite is operational.
Longevity
Landsat 5 significantly exceeded its designed life-expectancy, lasting several decades beyond its original three year mission. In March 2009, Landsat 5 celebrated its 25th anniversary of operation, 22 years over its 3-year mission. In March 2012 the Landsat 5 mission celebrated 28 years in space. The Multi-Spectral Scanner was reactivated successfully in April 2012.
End of Mission
On December 21, 2012, USGS announced that Landsat 5 will be decommissioned in the coming months following the failure of one of its gyroscopes. The satellite has three gyroscopes, and requires two to function. It will likely be deactivated once the Landsat Data Continuity Mission satellite is operational.