Lessons learned from MODIS Original Research Article

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was launched onboard the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra spacecraft on December 18, 1999 and onboard the Aqua spacecraft on May 4, 2002. This paper examines the MODIS performance during more than three years of on-orbit operation together with data from fifteen years of pre-launch development and testing for possible improvements in design choices, practices and procedures that may prove useful in the development of future space-borne multi-spectral radiometers. Topics considered include onboard calibration, scattered light, electrical and optical cross talk, and scan mirror performance.