NASA has released the draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for the construction of the Landsat 10 spacecraft. This document marks the formal beginning of the acquisition process for the next satellite in the Landsat series, a joint mission between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) dedicated to continuous Earth observation. The DRFP, available for review via the SAM.gov platform, invites the aerospace industry to submit technical and economic proposals for the design, development, manufacturing, integration, and testing of the satellite.

The Landsat series, initiated in 1972, constitutes the longest and most complete record of the Earth's surface from space. Its data are fundamental for monitoring environmental changes, managing natural resources, agriculture, mapping, and climate research. Landsat 10 will continue this work, ensuring the continuity of high-resolution remote sensing data collection that is essential for understanding the dynamics of our planet and its ecosystems.

The release of this draft allows potential contractors to familiarize themselves with the mission's technical and operational requirements, as well as to submit questions and comments before the issuance of the definitive Request for Proposal. This procedure is crucial to ensure that the bidding process is transparent and competitive, and that NASA receives the best offers for a satellite expected to operate for at least five years in orbit, continuing the legacy of its predecessors.