NASA to End Earth Observer Newsletter in 2025 as Long‑running EOS Missions Near Retirement

NASA’s long‑running newsletter, The Earth Observer, which has chronicled the agency’s Earth Observing System (EOS) for nearly 37 years, will publish its final online content at the close of 2025. The newsletter evolved alongside EOS, documenting instrument development, mission planning, data systems and scientific results from satellites, aircraft and ground campaigns.

Its archives record the program’s history and operational milestones since the first issue in March 1989. EOS itself traces to a 1981 NASA study group and an early System Z concept of large, serviceable platforms that was reworked after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident. The idea later shifted to a set of mid‑size flagship satellites—Terra, Aqua and Aura—supported by smaller missions and constellation approaches such as the A‑Train.

Terra (launched December 1999) was designed to study the atmosphere, carbon cycle, climate, water and the surface. After more than 26 years in orbit it continues to collect data, and the spacecraft has been managed to conserve fuel and extend its lifetime. Aqua (launched May 2002) focused on the global water cycle.

Following completion of its last drag‑makeup maneuver in December 2021, Aqua now drifts slowly from its original orbit; several of its instruments remain operational. Aura (launched July 2004) carried instruments to monitor atmospheric composition, ozone recovery and air quality.

Key Topics

Science, Earth Observing System, Terra, Aqua, Aura, A-train