Satellite characteristics

Launch Date - End 945385200 -

Status Operational

Orbit type Sun-synchronous circular orbit

Altitude 705

Orbit inclination 98.5

Equatorial crossing time 10:30:00

Orbit period 99

Satellite family: EOS (Earth Observing System)

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a major component of NASA's Earth-Sun System Missions. The mission includes a series of satellites, a science component, and a data system supporting a coordinated series of polar-orbiting and low inclination satellites for long-term global observations of the land surface, biosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and oceans. EOS is enabling an improved understanding of the Earth as an integrated system.

Sensor characteristics

Sensor name ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class High (5 - 30 m)
Swath width (at nadir) 60 km
Revisit frequency 16 days
Max look angle 24 °
Sensor name CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class Very Low (> 1 km)
Max look angle 78 °
Sensor name MISR (Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class Medium (30 - 300 m)
Swath width (at nadir) 360 km
Revisit frequency 9 days
Max look angle 70 °
Sensor name MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class Medium (30 - 300 m)
Swath width (at nadir) 2330 km
Revisit frequency 2 days
Sensor name MOPITT (Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Atmospheric instrument
Resolution class Very Low (> 1 km)
Swath width (at nadir) 616 km
Max look angle 26 °