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MCST Web

MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) Mission Status

Notice to Terra Data Users:

The reflective solar bands (RSB) of Terra MODIS have experienced relatively large degradation in recent years. The current calibration algorithm used in deriving the Collection 5 LUTS does not completely capture and correct for this degradation, which is both wavelength and angle-of-incidence dependent.  Science data products that utilize the shorter wavelength bands, especially Bands 8 (412 nm), 9 (443 nm) 3 (469 nm), 1 (646 nm), and 2 (856 nm) can expect to see an observable impact on data quality. An example of the observed degradation on Terra band 8 and 1 are provided here (Terra degradation Example).
The proposed calibration algorithm improvements in development for Collection 6 LUTs are expected to significantly reduce these impacts. These LUTs will be put into production after a thorough review and testing process is completed.

Further details are available in the MCST presentation at the Calibration breakout session of the May 2011 MODIS Science Team Meeting (http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci_team/meetings/201105/)

 

Terra

Current Status:  Science Data Mode, Normal Operations

 MODIS was launched on the EOS Terra spacecraft on Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 18:57 GMT. MODIS Terra "First Light" was achieved when the MODIS Nadir Aperture Door opened on February 24, 2000. The Terra MODIS instrument began taking data using side-A electronics.

For a complete look at the EOS-AM/ Terra mission, see http://terra.nasa.gov/.

Aqua

Current Status:  Science Data Mode, Normal Operations

 MODIS was launched on the EOS Aqua spacecraft on Saturday, May 4, 2002 at 09:55 GMT. MODIS Aqua "First Light" was achieved when the MODIS Nadir Aperture Door opened on June 24, 2002 at 23:22:48 GMT. The Aqua MODIS instrument began taking data using side-B electronics.

For a complete look at the EOS-PM/ Aqua mission, see http://aqua.nasa.gov/.

 

If you cannot find the MODIS information you are looking for, please contact:

Brian Wenny: brian.wenny@sigmaspace.com, Jack Xiong: Xiaoxiong.Xiong-1@nasa.gov, or Gary Toller: gary.toller@sigmaspace.com

Accounts and privileges associated with the Internal area http://mcst.hbsss-sigma.com/ can be requested from the internal area and are managed by karina,simpson@sigmaspace.com

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