MODIS and Terra

MODIS

MODIS stands for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.

Flying over 700 km above the Earth onboard NASA's Terra satellite, this remote-sensing device observes a variety of terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric features of the Earth.

Terra

The Terra satellite was launched by NASA on December 18, 1999. The satellite carries five sensors (ASTER, MODIS, MOPITT, MISR and CERES) that study the interactions among the Earth's atmosphere, lands, oceans, and radiant energy (heat and light).

The Terra spacecraft is roughly the size of a small school bus.

Find out more about Terra on http://terra.nasa.gov.