MODIS Characterization
Support Team
(MCST)

MCST Mission Statement

MCST is dedicated to the production of a high quality MODIS calibration product. This product is a precursor to every geophysical science product. MCST works for the Science Team Leader and is responsible for developing and maintaining the calibration product (L1B algorithm), and performing flight operations and Instrument Systems Manager support.

The L1B software converts the raw instrument data into calibrated physical units. MCST is responsible for developing the physical basis for sensor calibration. MCST developed the L1B algorithm and all parameters necessary to run the code, and develops the quality assurance and verification of L1B product enhancements.

The MCST flight operations team supports MODIS operations on orbit through command and control of the instrument. Responsibilities include developing MODIS operations scenarios, creating the operations database, monitoring instrument health and safety, and operating the MODIS on-orbit.

MCST supports instrument development by providing sensor physics and calibration expertise for assessing instrument design concepts, development, and tests. MCST was responsible for interpreting science requirements to the instrument builder, reviewing MODIS designs, test plans, test results, and data analysis, supporting reviews, addressing calibration issues, and generating parameters required by the Science Team.

Terra (PFM) Instrument Status

Current Status: Science Data Mode

MODIS was launched on the EOS Terra spacecraft on Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 18:57 GMT. MODIS Terra "First Light" was achieved when the MODIS Nadir Aperture Door opened on February 24, 2000. The Terra MODIS instrument began taking data using side-A electronics.

Current Relative Spectral Response (RSR) tables are available for MODIS Terra (PFM).

MODIS polarization tables and information are available for Terra (PFM)"  with the following link: ftp://ftp.mcst.ssai.biz/pub/permanent/MCST/MODIS_polarization

Detailed operations are documented in the Weekly Reports and the MODIS History links under the Instrument Ops button on this web page.

Terra MODIS instrument performance history is documented in Terra MODIS Instrument Performance History.

For a complete look at the EOS-AM/Terra mission see http://eos-am.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Aqua (FM1) Instrument Status

Current Status: Science Data Mode

12/11/07 ANNOUNCEMENT: An Aqua anomaly occurred on Sunday, December 2nd (2007/336) when a series of Flight Operations Team (FOT) operator errors led to Partition #6 of the Solid State Recorder becoming write disabled at about 05:30 UT.  Partition #6 contains spacecraft engineering data and Ground Based Attitude Determination (GBAD) data generated by the spacecraft, used by all Aqua instrument in the processing of their science data. No impact to Aqua spacecraft operations and all instruments are operating normally. All other SSR partitions are functioning normally and science data is being recorded and captured. Direct Broadcast (DB) data is unaffected.  Delays/gaps currently exist in the MODIS science data processing beginning on 2007/336.  No significant data losses are expected, and all gaps will be filled as the GBAD data is recovered. The Flight Operations Team and the spacecraft developer, NGST, successfully implemented a ground-based temporary work-around fix to the Aqua anomaly and processing should return to near normal. Application of a permanent fix will be postponed until January.

MODIS was launched on the EOS Aqua spacecraft on Saturday, May 4, 2002 at 09:55 GMT. MODIS Aqua "First Light" was achieved when the MODIS Nadir Aperture Door opened on June 24, 2002 at 23:22:48 GMT. The Aqua MODIS instrument began taking data using side-B electronics.

Current Relative Spectral Response (RSR) tables are available for MODIS Aqua (FM1).

MODIS polarization tables and information are available for Aqua (FM1)"  with the following link: ftp://ftp.mcst.ssai.biz/pub/permanent/MCST/MODIS_polarization

Detailed operations are documented in the Weekly Reports and the MODIS History buttons under the Instrument Ops button on this web page.

Aqua MODIS instrument performance history is documented in Aqua MODIS Instrument Performance History.

For a complete look at the EOS-PM/Aqua mission see http://eos-pm.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Terra (PFM) Data Products

Terra data processing uses L1B Version 5.0.38 (collection 5).

MODIS services transitioned from the  Goddard DAAC http://eos.nasa.gov/imswelcome to MODAPS on January 15, 2007.  MODAPS uses the L1 and Atmospheres Archive and distribution system (LAADS) to provide users with access to MODIS data products.  LAADS can be found at http://ladsweb.nascom.nasa.gov. This system maintains some L1B and all atmosphere products on disk (the remaining L1B are available through processing-on-demand) and provides access through search/order and ftp. A full description of the MODAPS services is given at http://modaps.nascom.nasa.gov/services/.  Detailed features of the data product are documented in the L1B Product Info & Status <http://www.mcst.ssai.biz/mcstweb/L1B/product.html> page.

Aqua (FM1) Data Products

Aqua data processing uses L1B Version 5.0.7 (collection 5).

MODIS services transitioned from the  Goddard DAAC http://eos.nasa.gov/imswelcome to MODAPS on January 15, 2007.  MODAPS uses the L1 and Atmospheres Archive and distribution system (LAADS) to provide users with access to MODIS data products.  LAADS can be found at http://ladsweb.nascom.nasa.gov. This system maintains some L1B and all atmosphere products on disk (the remaining L1B are available through processing-on-demand) and provides access through search/order and ftp. A full description of the MODAPS services is given at http://modaps.nascom.nasa.gov/services/.  Detailed features of the data product are documented in the L1B Product Info & Status <http://www.mcst.ssai.biz/mcstweb/L1B/product.html> page.