Beginning in late 1999, NASA will launch the Terra satellite (formerly EOS AM-1), the flagship of the Earth Observing System (EOS) -a series of spacecraft that represent the naxt landmark steps in NASA's leadership role to observe the Eafth from the unique vantage point of space. Focused on key measurements identified by a enable new research into the way that Earth's lands, oceans, air , ice , and life function as a total environnmental system. Terra is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.