Spectral characteristics of the Earth Observing System (EOS) Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

The Moderate Resultion Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is a key instrument scheduled for flight on the AM (1030 hours equator crossing time) and the PM (1330 equator crossing time) platforms of the Earth Observing System (EOS). It has a considerable multispectral capability for observations of land, ocean, and atmospheric features. The 36 bands sampling the visible, near IR, and thermal IR portions of the spectrum along with 250 to 1000 meter resolution will offer very powerful observing advantages over heritage instruments such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer on the NOAA environmental satellites. The engineering model of the MODIS is under construction and so far the performance being observed is generally meeting specifications. Preliminary analyses of components of the engineering model indicate that it will meet most of the spectral specifications with some variances relative to the specifications being required and approved. Overall MODIS fabrication is on schedule for its first flight in 1998.