Sixteen years of Terra MODIS on-orbit operation, calibration, and performance

X. Xiong; A. Angal; A. Wu; D. Link; X. Geng; W. Barnes; V. Salomonson

doi:10.1117/12.2241352

14 December 2016 Sixteen years of Terra MODIS on-orbit operation, calibration, and performance

X. Xiong, A. Angal, A. Wu, D. Link, X. Geng, W. Barnes, V. Salomonson

Proceedings Volume 10000, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XX; 100000V (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241352
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

Terra MODIS has successfully operated for more than 16 years since its launch in December 1999. From its observations, many science data products have been generated in support of a broad range of research activities and remote sensing applications. Terra MODIS has operated in a number of configurations and experienced a few anomalies, including spacecraft and instrument related events. MODIS collects data in 36 spectral bands that are calibrated regularly by a set of on-board calibrators for their radiometric, spectral, and spatial performance. Periodic lunar observations and long-term radiometric trending over well-characterized ground targets are also used to support sensor on-orbit calibration. Dedicated efforts made by the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) and continuing support from the MODIS Science Team have contributed to the mission success, enabling well-calibrated data products to be continuously generated and routinely delivered to users worldwide. This paper presents an overview of Terra MODIS mission operations, calibration activities, and instrument performance of the past 16 years. It illustrates and describes the results of key sensor performance parameters derived from on-orbit calibration and characterization, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise equivalent temperature difference (NEdT), solar diffuser (SD) degradation, changes in sensor responses, center wavelengths, and band-to-band registration (BBR). Also discussed in this paper are the calibration approaches and strategies developed and implemented in support of MODIS Level 1B data production and re-processing, major challenging issues, and lessons learned.

Citation Download Citation

X. Xiong, A. Angal, A. Wu, D. Link, X. Geng, W. Barnes, and V. Salomonson "Sixteen years of Terra MODIS on-orbit operation, calibration, and performance", Proc. SPIE 10000, Sensors, Systems, and Next-Generation Satellites XX, 100000V (14 December 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2241352

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available