MODIS - Terra/Aqua Drift

The Terra and Aqua satellites, launched in 1999 and 2002 respectively, have undergone orbit drift adjustments to extend their missions and continue providing critical Earth science measurements. Terra completed its final inclination adjustment maneuver (IAM) and drag make-up (DMU) in 2022, while Aqua completed its IAM and DMU in 2021. Both satellites are expected to contribute to comprehensive Climate Data Records for nearly three decades. However, orbit drift has impacted MODIS data, affecting pixel size, spacing, scan gaps, bowtie overlap, and diurnal cycle sampling. These changes have led to widened scan gaps and altered spatial sampling patterns, with significant impacts observed in late 2024. The effects on MODIS fire products and broader datasets are under active investigation.

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Case Name: HC_MOD_26008