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![Terra
Animations](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/Images/animations_title.gif) |
New! Terra Spacecraft Quicktime VR Model. A VR model of the Terra spacecraft which you can manipulate to view all sides and angles (via Terra site).
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![Terra QTVR Model](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/Images/terra_qtvr_tn.jpg) |
Terra was successfully launched on December
18, 1999, from Vandenberg Air Force Base. (4.6MB) |
![Terra Launch](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/terra_launch.jpg) |
Solar Panel Deployment
Terra's solar panel supplies the 3 kilowatts of power needed by the
spacecraft. Its deployment is the first major event after Terra separates from
its fairing. (3.3MB) |
![Terra Solar Panel Deployment](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/solar_deploy.jpg) |
High Gain Antenna Deployment
Communication to and from Terra will be conducted through a high gain
antenna and NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). This allows
data to be collected independent of the satellite passing over ground stations.
(1.6MB) |
![Terra High Gain Antenna Deployment](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/hga_deploy.jpg) |
Terra's Orbit
Terra will operate in a near-circular, sun-synchronous orbit with an
inclination of 98.2 degrees. The spacecraft will cross the equator twice each
orbitonce at 10:30AM (local time) moving from north to south, and once at
10:30PM from south to north. (4.2MB) |
![Terra Orbit](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/swath_fixed.jpg) |
Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and
Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)
ASTER will provide high-resolution images of land surface, water, ice, and
clouds in visible, short-wave IR, and thermal IR wavelengths. (3MB)
· ASTER web site |
![ASTER Scanning Swath](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/aster_swath.jpg) |
Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy
System (CERES)
CERES will measure the Earth's energy balancecomparing the amount of
energy from the sun that reaches the Earth's surface vs. the amount of heat
energy emitted by the Earth and its atmosphere. (3.2MB)
· CERES web site |
![CERES Scanning Swath](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/ceres_swath.jpg) |
Multi-angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer
(MISR)
MISR will observe the Earth's surface from nine different angles
simultaneously, providing 3D images and information about the angular properties
of clouds and particulates. (3.9MB)
· MISR web site |
![MISR Scanning Swath](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/misr_swath.jpg) |
Moderate-resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
MODIS will provide comprehensive measurements of ocean life (phytoplankton),
land vegetation, cloud cover, and fires. (3.2MB)
· MODIS web site |
![MODIS Scanning Swath](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/modis_swath.jpg) |
Measurements of Pollution in the
Troposphere (MOPITT)
MOPITT will measure two important pollutantscarbon monoxide and
methanein the lower atmosphere (troposphere). (3.3MB)
· MOPITT web site (Canadian Space Agency)
· MOPITT web site (University of Toronto) |
![MOPITT Scanning Swath](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/mopitt_swath.jpg) |
Combined Swaths of Terra's Instruments
Terra will conduct many of its observations simultaneuosly, allowing for new
ways of integrating different types of data. (3.3MB) |
![Terra Instrument Scanning Swaths](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080920020510im_/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/AM1/MPEG/swath_all.jpg) |
About Terra |
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