Satellite Overview
Launch Year
1999
Operating Agency
NASA
Orbit Type
Sun-synchronous polar orbit
Mission Purpose
Daily global observation of land, ocean, and atmosphere
Sensors and Instruments
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
Resolution Information
Spatial Resolution
250m (2 bands), 500m (5 bands), 1km (29 bands)
Spectral Resolution
36 bands (Visible to Thermal IR)
Temporal Resolution
1-2 days (Terra and Aqua combined)
Radiometric Resolution
12-bit (0-4095 values)
Spectral Bands
| Band | Wavelength Range | Resolution | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bands 1-2 | 0.62-0.87 μm | 250m | High resolution red and NIR |
| Bands 3-7 | 0.47-2.19 μm | 500m | Multispectral land data |
| Bands 8-36 | 0.41-14.4 μm | 1km | Atmospheric and thermal data |
| Band 1 | 0.62-0.67 μm | 250m | True color red band |
| Band 2 | 0.84-0.88 μm | 250m | NIR for vegetation |
Applications
Global vegetation monitoring (NDVI)
Ocean color and water quality studies
Atmospheric aerosol monitoring
Temperature and thermal radiation mapping
Snow and ice extent tracking
Fire and thermal anomaly detection
Rapid disaster assessment (rapid global coverage)
Student Notes
- •Daily global coverage in 1-2 days
- •Most suitable for large-scale, long-term monitoring
- •Multiple bands allow atmospheric correction
- •Terra passes in the morning, Aqua in the afternoon
- •Data available since 1999 (long time series)
- •NDVI = (Band 2 - Band 1) / (Band 2 + Band 1)
- •Best for monitoring trends over time rather than detailed analysis
Quick Facts
Launched
1999
Agency
NASA
Best Resolution
250m (2 bands), 500m (5 bands), 1km (29 bands)
Revisit Cycle
1-2 days (Terra and Aqua combined)