The Aqua satellite (EOS PM-1) was successfully launched on 4 May 2002. The Terra (AM-1) satellite crosses the equator at 10:30, while the Aqua (PM-1) satellite crosses at 13:30, local time. The sensors are Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-EOS (AMRS/E), Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), and Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer (MODIS). AIRS will provide atmospheric and surface temperatures and humidity data. The AMSR/E is a six frequency passive microwave radiometer system. Data from this instrument will be used to generate derived data products such as wind speed, precipitible water, ocean rainfall, soil moisture, and surface temperature. The AMSU provides temperature and water vapor profiles used for weather forecasting. This satellite has a polar, circular, sun-synchronous 705-km orbit with a 16-day repeat cycle. MODIS will have 36 spectral bands and will have a 2330 km swath width. Please see the Terra page for MODIS specifications.
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