![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/common/spacer.gif) | ![NASA FACT?](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/navigation/leftnav/nasa_fact_blue.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/common/spacer.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/common/spacer.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/common/spacer.gif) The Terra spacecraft was launched on December 18, 1999, weighing 10,506 pounds (4,645 kg).
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+ More NASA Facts...
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![MISSION NEWS MISSION NEWS](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917171659im_/http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/title/title_mission_news.gif) |
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| Image of Hurricane Lane over Mexico taken from the Terra satellite on September 15, 2006. Image credit: NASA Terra Overview NASA launched the Earth Observing System's flagship satellite "Terra," named for Earth, on December 18, 1999. Terra has been collecting data about Earth's changing climate. Terra carries five state-of-the-art sensors that have been studying the interactions among the Earth's atmosphere, lands, oceans, and radiant energy. Each sensor has unique design features that will enable scientists to meet a wide range of science objectives. The five Terra onboard sensors are: - ASTER, or Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer
- CERES, or Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System
- MISR, or Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer
- MODIS, or Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
- MOPITT, or Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere
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| 08.29.06 - NASA Satellites Can See How Climate Change Affects Forests
A NASA-funded study shows that satellites can track the growth and health of forests and detect the impact of a changing climate on them.
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| 07.27.06 - An Active Florida Hurricane Season Adds to Red Tide
Scientists used NASA satellites, ships, and buoys from NOAA to study and track red tide.
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| 05.01.06 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: NASA Study Shows Global Impacts of Pollution
Data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder is shedding new light on how natural and human-produced pollutants can have wide-reaching affects on the health of our global village.
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| 04.05.06 - NASA Helps Researchers Diagnose Recent Coral Bleaching at Great Barrier Reef
Parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef are bleaching out to a stark white and researchers want to know why.
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| 01.30.06 - Converging Satellites Unlock Hurricane Lili's Sudden Demise
Satellites discover the hidden mysteries of Hurricane Lili.
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| 02.04.05 - Seeing the Big Picture
Each day, NASA satellites produce images of the entire surface of the Earth, contributing to largest scientific data system in the world: EOSDIS.
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Terra Mission Animation
Animation showing how Terra receives reflected light.
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Terra Orbiting Around the Earth
Animation of Terra in orbit.
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| NASA's Terra Mission Website Learn more about NASA's Terra mission to better understand our home planet. + In depth coverage
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) The Terra mission receives key contributions from JPL. + View Site
Langley Research Center The terra mission receives key contributions from Langley. + View Site
MODIS Instrument Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. + View Site
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