MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)

Whiskbroom multispectral scanning spectroradiometer, 36 discrete bands from 405 to 14385 nm (visible through thermal infrared), daily global coverage at 250/500/1000 m GSD per band group. Two flight units: MODIS-Terra (launched December 1999, orbit drifted to about 9:06 AM equatorial crossing as of December 2025, power-constrained) and MODIS-Aqua (launched May 2002, in free-drift since December 2021, passivation scheduled Fall 2026; MODIS itself remains operational on both spacecraft). Built by Raytheon SBRS (formerly Hughes SBRS / Santa Barbara Research Center) under NASA contract, with NASA GSFC holding science leadership. Foundational input to global vegetation time-series and deforestation monitoring (MOD13Q1 NDVI/EVI, MCD64A1 burned area, MOD14 active fire).