Use of the space shuttle for remote sensing research: recent results and future prospects

Routine access to low earth orbit provided by the space shuttle holds great potential for global studies of the earth's resources and its environment. A successful test flight of the Columbia orbiter in November 1981 demonstrated the utility and versatility of the shuttle for earth-related research. A series of remote sensing experiments is currently planned for the mid-1980's that will more fully exploit the shuttle's earth observation capabilities.