What year was the SLC in ETM+ sensor reported to have failed?

The correct year for the reported failure of the Scanning Line Corrector (SLC) in the ETM+ sensor is indeed 2003. The ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) sensor, equipped on the Landsat 7 satellite, experienced this significant malfunction which affected the data quality captured after that point. The SLC was designed to help correct geometric distortions in images caused by the satellite's forward motion, and its failure resulted in data that included gaps, impacting users’ ability to derive accurate information from the imagery.

Understanding the timing of this failure is crucial for users of Landsat data, as it helps to inform decisions based on the completeness and reliability of the images captured in subsequent years. Prior to the SLC failure, the sensor was functioning correctly and providing high-quality imagery for various applications, including land use, environmental monitoring, and agriculture. The issues that arose post-2003 necessitated adjustments in how researchers and practitioners processed and analyzed Landsat 7 datasets.