In 1979, President of the United States Jimmy Carter's Presidential Directive 54 transferred Landsat operations from NASA to NOAA, recommended development of a long term operational system with four additional satellites beyond Landsat 3, and recommended transition to private sector operation of Landsat.
Tahun 1979, Presidential Directive 54 di bawah Presiden AS Jimmy Carter mengalihkan operasi Landsat dari NASA ke NOAA, merekomendasikan pengembangan sistem operasional jangka panjang dengan 4 satelit tambahan, serta merekomendasikan transisi swastanisasi Landsat.