Landsat 1 was launched into orbit on July 23, 1972, as the United States' pioneering satellite dedicated to Earth observation and monitoring of natural resources. It was developed as part of a collaborative effort involving several institutions, including NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. The satellite was equipped with a Return Beam Videometer and multispectral scanners, enabling it to capture high-resolution images in various wavelengths, which would permit detailed analysis of land use and land cover changes over time.

The launch occurred from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, utilizing a Delta 900 rocket to place Landsat 1 into a near-polar orbit. This allowed the satellite to pass over the same areas of the Earth approximately every 18 days, providing repetitive and systematic observation that would become crucial for environmental scientists, urban planners, and resource managers. The data collected by Landsat 1 and its successors would be utilized for mapping and monitoring agricultural crop health, forestry resources, and urban development, among other applications.

The success of the Landsat program not only demonstrated the capability of satellites to provide consistent and accurate data about the Earth's surface but also paved the way for the development of future Earth observation systems. Landsat 1 remained operational until 1978, significantly influencing the fields of meteorology, geology, and environmental science by providing insights into both temporal and spatial changes on the planet's surface. This revolutionized the understanding of natural phenomena and human impacts on the environment, ultimately leading to better resource management and conservation efforts.