MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard the Terra (EOS AM) and Aqua (EOS PM) satellites. Terra's orbit around the Earth is timed so that it passes from north to south across the equator in the morning, while Aqua passes south to north over the equator in the afternoon. Terra MODIS and Aqua MODIS are viewing the entire Earth's surface every 1 to 2 days, acquiring data in 36 spectral bands, or groups of wavelengths (see MODIS Technical Specifications). These data will improve our understanding of global dynamics and processes occurring on the land, in the oceans, and in the lower atmosphere. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of validated, global, interactive Earth system models able to predict global change accurately enough to assist policy makers in making sound decisions concerning the protection of our environment.
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The MODIS instrument has been designed and developed since the Engineering Model (EM) was completed in mid-1995. Since then, two spaceflight units, the Protoflight Model (PFM) (aboard the Terra Satellite) , and the Flight Model 1 (FM1) (aboard the Aqua Satellite) have been completed and launched. Terra was launched on December 18, 1999, and Aqua was launched on May 4, 2002. The MODIS instruments – built to NASA specifications by Santa Barbara Remote Sensing – represent the finest in engineering of spaceflight hardware for remote sensing. |