Satellite Spotlight: Terra — NASA's Earth Observing System Flagship

Friday, 12 June 2026 · 2 min read · Orbital Radar

NASA's Terra satellite captures Earth's view during its 100,000th orbit, highlighting global landscapes and atmospheric conditions.

Image: NASA/JPL

Introduction to Terra

Launched on 18 December 1999, Terra is a cornerstone of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), serving as a vital platform for monitoring our planet's climate and environment. As a flagship satellite, Terra is equipped with a suite of five scientific instruments designed to study the interactions among the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans. Its mission has been pivotal in enhancing our understanding of Earth's systems and the impact of human activities on climate change.

Mission and Purpose

Satellite image shows widespread aerosol pollution over Central and Eastern Europe in March 2003, affecting air quality. — During the last weeks of March 2003, unusually high and widespread aerosol pollution was detected over Europe by several satellite-borne instruments aboard NASA Terra satellite. · Image: NASA/JPL

Terra's primary mission is to collect data on the Earth's climate system, including the atmosphere, land, and oceans. It carries instruments such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), which captures data in 36 spectral bands, and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), which provides high-resolution images. These instruments help scientists monitor phenomena like deforestation, desertification, and changes in sea ice. Terra's data is crucial for climate research, weather prediction, and understanding natural disasters.

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Orbital Characteristics

Terra operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same part of the Earth at roughly the same local solar time. This orbit is at an altitude of approximately 705 kilometres with an inclination of 98.2 degrees. Terra completes an orbit every 99 minutes, providing comprehensive coverage of the Earth's surface. Its NORAD ID is 25994, and its data is accessible through various platforms, including the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.

Significance and Legacy

Over its more than two decades of operation, Terra has significantly contributed to the scientific community's understanding of global environmental changes. It has provided a continuous stream of data that has been instrumental in climate modelling and environmental monitoring. Terra's legacy includes improving our understanding of carbon cycles, energy balance, and the effects of aerosols on climate. The satellite's long-term data sets are invaluable for tracking changes in the Earth's systems over time.

Current Status

As of 2026, Terra remains operational, continuing to provide critical data for scientific research. Despite its advanced age, the satellite's instruments are still functioning, although some have experienced degradation over time. The mission has been extended multiple times due to its ongoing value and the robustness of its design. Terra's current status and mission updates can be tracked through the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.

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