A resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural launch of the Landsat series of Earth Observation satellites, a joint mission of the United States Geological Survey and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Bill 117 S.Res. 721 is a resolution that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Landsat series of Earth Observation satellites. These satellites are a collaborative effort between the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The resolution recognizes the importance of the Landsat program in providing valuable data and imagery for monitoring changes in the Earth's landscape, including deforestation, urbanization, and natural disasters.

The Landsat program was first launched in 1972 with the goal of collecting high-quality images of the Earth's surface to support scientific research and environmental monitoring. Over the past 50 years, the Landsat satellites have provided a wealth of data that has been used by scientists, policymakers, and the public to better understand and protect our planet.

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the Landsat program to various fields, including agriculture, forestry, water resource management, and climate change research. It also acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the USGS and NASA to continue improving and expanding the Landsat program to meet the evolving needs of society. Overall, Bill 117 S.Res. 721 serves as a tribute to the success and impact of the Landsat program over the past five decades and reaffirms the commitment of the United States government to supporting Earth observation and environmental monitoring efforts.