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The Joint Polar Orbiting Satellite System (JPSS) is a partnership between NASA and NOAA to build new generation polar-orbiting operational environmental satellite system which started with the launch of the Suomi NPP in 2011. JPSS- 3 will be the 4th satellite in JPSS program and is scheduled to launch in 2026. The flagship instrument on the JPSS satellites is the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) which provides visible and infrared imagery in support of a variety of land, ocean and atmospheric products. JPSS-3 VIIRS much like the first three VIIRS instrument will feature the panchromatic Day-Night Band (DNB), which is capable of obtaining high quality imagery over a wide range of illumination conditions from daytime to reflected moonlight using a wide bandpass in combination with time delay integration. JPSS-3 VIIRS underwent a rigorous prelaunch test program carried out by the sensor vendor, Raytheon, El Segundo in ambient configuration in 2019 and flight-like conditions in thermal vacuum in late 2020 into early 2021. As part of this test program a series of tests to characterize its spatial, radiometric, spectral, and functional performance at the instrument level were completed. The DNB radiometric measurements were subsequently analyzed by both vendor and government teams. These analyses are critical to show compliance with the sensor design specifications as well as the ability of the instrument to produce high quality imagery and radiometry similar to the two instruments currently in operation. Presented in this work is the radiometric and spectral performance of the DNB including dynamic range, sensitivity, radiometric uncertainty and non-linearity along with a discussion of the performance in comparison with its predecessors S-NPP, JPSS-1 and JPSS-2 VIIRS.

Aqua MODIS has successfully operated for more than 18 years since its launch in May 2002 and has generated numerous science products in support of studies of the Earth’s system and its changes via a set of geophysical and environmental parameters. On-orbit calibration and characterization activities have played a vital role in maintaining the quality of MODIS data products. In addition to data collected from sensor on-board calibrators (OBC), near-monthly lunar observations and select earth view targets have been used to monitor and characterize on-orbit changes in sensor responses and to derive and update the calibration look-up tables. In this paper, we provide an overview of Aqua MODIS on-orbit operations, calibration activities and approaches, and algorithm improvements and also illustrate the sensor on-orbit performance using examples derived from various calibration sources and targets. We will focus on issues identified from instrument operations and calibrations, such as solar diffuser degradation, electronic crosstalk, variations in the cold focal plane temperatures, and changes in response versus scan-angle. Also discussed in this paper are remaining challenges and future improvements.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on-board the NASA’s Earth Observing System Terra satellite has continued successful Earth-sensing operations for over 20 years. To aid in its mission in providing calibrated science data to the worldwide user community, the MODIS instrument is equipped with several on-board calibrators designed to measure changes in the instrument response over time. One such calibrator is the Spectro- Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA), which can provide a source signal for radiometric, spectral, or spatial characterization. When commanded into its spatial calibration mode, the SRCA is able to produce light across the MODIS band spectral range (0.412μm to 14.2μm) at a variety of signal levels thanks to several internal halogen lamps, an IR glow bar, and a neutral density filter. This signal, used in combination with commanded sub-sample measurements of the MODIS detectors, provides a basis for determining changes in the spatial performance of the MODIS spectral bands. This work summarizes the spatial calibration process using the SRCA and presents 20 years of Terra MODIS spatial performance characterized through co-registration between MODIS bands, detectors, and focal plane assemblies. Results from pre-launch testing using the Integration and Alignment Collimator and the SRCA are incorporated in the history of the Terra MODIS mission-long spatial performance. We also note modifications to the spatial characterization methodology brought on by changes to the SRCA’s operational configuration and changes to the MODIS spectral band performance, particularly after the recovery from the safe-mode event in February 2016. Results are compared against the MODIS design specifications.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on-board the Aqua and Terra spacecraft have provided valuable science data for the last 18 and 20 years, respectively. Each instrument is equipped with 36 spectral bands, 20 of which are reflective solar bands (RSBs). These bands cover a wavelength range of 0.4 - 2.2 μm and are calibrated on-orbit using several on-board calibrators (OBCs), such as a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM), along with regularly-scheduled lunar observations through the space view (SV) port. The gain (1/m1) and response-verses-scan angle (RVS) are updated on a near-monthly basis and act as the primary look-up-tables (LUTs) for the RSB calibration. A set of separate uncertainty LUTs for each of the RSBs are also delivered regularly and incorporated into the Level 1B (L1B) product to generate a pixel-level Uncertainty Index (UI). In addition to the gain, RVS and uncertainty, there are several other LUTs associated with the reflective bands that are either updated less frequently or remain static. The accuracy of both the forward-predicted and historical RSB LUTs, which are derived by the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST), is important in maintaining the quality and accuracy of the L1B and science products. To ensure a timely and accurate LUT update, MCST has established a comprehensive set of procedures. This paper provides an overview of the calibration process, along with the current LUT delivery process for the RSBs in Collection 6 (C6) and Collection 6.1 (C6.1). Improvements to be implemented in future collections are also discussed.

Near-identical MODIS instruments launched on-board the Terra and Aqua spacecraft in 1999 and 2002, respectively. Each MODIS instrument has 36 spectral bands covering 0.41 to 14.2 μm mounted among four focal plane assemblies, along with a series of on-board calibrators (OBCs) used to characterize the instrument performance on-orbit. One such OBC is the Spectro-radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA), which is a multi-function calibrator, able to provide calibration sources to measure spatial, spectral, or radiometric properties of the MODIS bands depending on its configuration. The MODIS instrument performance, including measurements of the signal cross-contamination (crosstalk) between bands, was measured on-orbit during early-mission characterization for both instruments. This crosstalk test used the SRCA in its spatial mode while utilizing the thin slit, which is normally used for spectral calibrations. A similar crosstalk test was recently performed for Terra MODIS. Since the Terra safe mode event in 2016, the PV LWIR bands specifically (6.7-9.7 μm) have shown increased influence from crosstalk. The process involved in preparing and performing this crosstalk test is included in this work, as well as the findings from the recent and previous SRCA-based crosstalk characterizations.

Since its launch in December 1999, Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has successfully operated for more than 20 years, with its observations generating a broad range of science data products that have greatly enabled the remote sensing community and users worldwide in their studies of many key geophysical parameters of the Earth’s systems. MODIS collects data in 36 spectral bands, covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 14.4 μm, which are calibrated by a set of onboard calibrators (OBCs). Also contributing to the sensor’s mission-long on-orbit calibration and characterization are near-monthly scheduled lunar observations and multiple time series of the sensor’s responses over select ground targets at a variety of scan angles. To a large extent, the quality of MODIS data products relies strongly on the dedicated efforts to operate and calibrate the instrument, to derive and update calibration parameters, and to develop and implement new calibration strategies and algorithms in response to on-orbit changes of the sensor’s characteristics and its OBC functions. We provide an overview of the Terra MODIS on-orbit operation and calibration activities over the last 20 years, including changes made to extend and preserve the instrument and OBC functions and their operation strategies. It also illustrates the sensor’s on-orbit performance with results derived from its OBC, lunar observations, and select ground targets and discusses major changes in sensor characteristics and corrections applied to the L1B algorithms as well as calibration lookup table updates. To date, the Terra MODIS instrument and its OBCs continue to operate and function normally. Except for those identified prelaunch, most spectral bands and detectors continue to meet their specified calibration requirements. Also discussed in our paper are lessons learned from Terra MODIS operation and calibration, as well as future efforts to further extend and maintain the quality of its long-term data records.

The JPSS-2 VIIRS instrument much like its predecessors JPSS-1 VIIRS (now renamed NOAA-20) and S-NPP VIIRS has an innovative three gain stage Day-Night Band (DNB) will provide high quality imagery of the Earth over a wide range of illumination conditions. This band uses a set of four CCDs and 32 different aggregation modes of time-delay integration and sub-pixel aggregation to achieve high SNR in low light conditions and maintain roughly constant spatial resolution across scan. In support of at launch readiness, JPSS-2 VIIRS DNB has undergone a series of prelaunch tests to characterize its spatial, radiometric, spectral, and functional performance at the instrument level and additional planned tests once integration with the spacecraft is complete. The DNB radiometric measurements were completed in October 2017 at the instrument level by Raytheon Company and subsequently analyzed by both vendor and government teams. These analyses form the basis of showing compliance with the sensor design specifications as well as the ability of the DNB to produce high quality imagery and radiometry similar to the first two missions. Presented in this work is the radiometric and spectral performance of the DNB including dynamic range, sensitivity, radiometric uncertainty and nonlinearity along with a discussion of the potential impact to on-orbit calibration and SDR performance.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on board the Terra and Aqua space- craft are equipped with several on-board calibrators (OBCs) and continue to operate normally since launch. One such calibrator is the Spectro-Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA), whose regular calibrations provide accurate measurements in radiometric, spatial and spectral modes. The SRCA is able to monitor and measure the center wavelength (CW) shift, the bandwidth (BW) shift and a major portion of the relative spectral response (RSR) for each of the MODIS reflective solar bands (RSBs) while operating in spectral mode. However, there are several factors that influence the uncertainties when calculating these results. This paper provides a brief overview of the SRCA in spectral mode, along with how the CWs, BWs and RSRs of the MODIS RSBs are calculated. The operational factors that contribute to the spectral uncertainty are also discussed, including the variation of the half-included angle (β) and the grating motor offset angle (θoff ) of the monochromator. A comparison between the theoretical and on-board CW uncertainty is also provided.

Terra and Aqua MODIS instruments have continued to operate normally since their launch in December 1999 and May 2002. MODIS reflective solar bands (RSB) with wavelengths ranging from 0.41 to 2.3 μm are calibrated on-orbit by an on-board solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). In addition, a spectroradiometric calibration assembly (SRCA) is used regularly to characterize and track on-orbit changes in RSB spectral, spatial, and radiometric performance. On a near-monthly basis, lunar observations are scheduled and performed to support sensor on-orbit calibration and characterization, such as radiometric calibration stability monitoring for the RSB. This paper provides a brief review of MODIS design requirements related to its RSB calibration performance and an assessment of MODIS RSB on-orbit calibration stability on both the short- and long-term timescales. Examples from different approaches are presented to demonstrate on-orbit performance of MODIS RSB calibration stability.

There are two nearly identical MODIS instruments currently operating on-board the NASA EOS Terra and Aqua spacecraft. Each MODIS is equipped with several on-board calibrators (OBCs) including a Spectro-Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA). The SRCA is a multi-configuration calibrator that aids in determining the performance parameters of MODIS detectors on-orbit. Depending on its configuration, scheduled operations of the SRCA provide measurements to assess the on-orbit radiometric, spatial, and spectral performance. The SRCA was designed to utilize various combinations of three 10 Watt lamps and one 1 Watt lamp and included a spare of each type. On-orbit lamp degradation and failures reduced the available number of 10 Watt lamps from four to two for each mission by 2006. Over the past year, each instrument experienced an issue on-orbit. The nadir door of Terra MODIS closed as the instrument was autonomously commanded into safe-mode after a spacecraft commanding issue. The instrument and spacecraft operations were successfully recovered shortly after the event. For Aqua, a failure occurred for one of the two remaining 10 Watt lamps. We investigate each issue as it relates to the SRCA’s operation and its ability to properly characterize MODIS detector performance. For Terra MODIS, we present changes in MODIS spectral and spatial performance due to changes in the instrument environment. In the case of Aqua MODIS, losing a lamp reduces the output potential of the SRCA. We present the results from this impact and the adjustments made to calibration activities to maximize the effectiveness of the remaining lamps.

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is currently operating onboard the Suomi National Polarorbiting Partnership (S-NPP) spacecraft. VIIRS records Earth imagery with spectral bands ranging from 0.4 to 12.2 micrometers at a combination of resolutions. Five imaging bands (I1-5) have a 375 m spatial resolution at nadir, which is half of the 750 m resolution of the 16 moderate resolution bands (M1-16). These bands are mounted according to their wavelengths at three separate Focal Plane Assemblies (FPA). The proper spatial registration among imaging bands is required to create multi-spectral images and analyses. Measurement of the band-to-band registration (BBR) is a determination of how well these bands are coincident. Using an external target such as the moon has proven to be a valid method and has been thoroughly investigated using VIIRS raw data record (RDR). Calibrated VIIRS radiometric data has been investigated using normalized mutual information (NMI) for BBR and shown stable results, by focusing on high-contrast shoreline sites. However, these results focus on a relatively small number of observations. We have previously reported analyses using earth-scene targets to determine BBR for MODIS instruments. This approach focuses on an African Desert site with high contrast spots generated through agricultural pivot irrigation. Using the near-daily observations provided by the VIIRS instrument, we investigate a large data set and track the BBR stability over the VIIRS mission. We discuss our results and compare them with prelaunch measurements and design specifications.

Terra MODIS has successfully operated for more than 16 years since its launch in December 1999. From its observations, many science data products have been generated in support of a broad range of research activities and remote sensing applications. Terra MODIS has operated in a number of configurations and experienced a few anomalies, including spacecraft and instrument related events. MODIS collects data in 36 spectral bands that are calibrated regularly by a set of on-board calibrators for their radiometric, spectral, and spatial performance. Periodic lunar observations and long-term radiometric trending over well-characterized ground targets are also used to support sensor on-orbit calibration. Dedicated efforts made by the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) and continuing support from the MODIS Science Team have contributed to the mission success, enabling well-calibrated data products to be continuously generated and routinely delivered to users worldwide. This paper presents an overview of Terra MODIS mission operations, calibration activities, and instrument performance of the past 16 years. It illustrates and describes the results of key sensor performance parameters derived from on-orbit calibration and characterization, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise equivalent temperature difference (NEdT), solar diffuser (SD) degradation, changes in sensor responses, center wavelengths, and band-to-band registration (BBR). Also discussed in this paper are the calibration approaches and strategies developed and implemented in support of MODIS Level 1B data production and re-processing, major challenging issues, and lessons learned. (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

The MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard Terra and Aqua satellites are calibrated on-orbit with a solar diffuser (SD) for the reflective solar bands (RSB). The MODIS sensors are operating beyond their designed lifetime and hence present a major challenge to maintain the calibration accuracy. The degradation of the onboard SD is tracked by a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) over a wavelength range from 0.41 to 0.94 μm. Therefore, any degradation of the SD beyond 0.94 μm cannot be captured by the SDSM. The uncharacterized degradation at wavelengths beyond this limit could adversely affect the Level 1B (L1B) product. To reduce the calibration uncertainties caused by the SD degradation, invariant Earth-scene targets are used to monitor and calibrate the MODIS L1B product. The use of deep convective clouds (DCCs) is one such method and particularly significant for the short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands in assessing their long-term calibration stability. In this study, we use the DCC technique to assess the performance of the Terra and Aqua MODIS Collection-6 L1B for RSB 1 3-7 , and 26, with spectral coverage from 0.47 to 2.13 μm. Results show relatively stable trends in Terra and Aqua MODIS reflectance for most bands. Careful attention needs to be paid to Aqua band 1, Terra bands 3 and 26 as their trends are larger than 1% during the study time period. We check the feasibility of using the DCC technique to assess the stability in MODIS bands 17-19. The assessment test on response versus scan angle (RVS) calibration shows substantial trend difference for Aqua band 1between different angles of incidence (AOIs). The DCC technique can be used to improve the RVS calibration in the future.

MODIS is a key instrument of NASA's Earth Observing System. It has successfully operated for 16+ years on the Terra satellite and 14+ years on the Aqua satellite, respectively. MODIS has 36 spectral bands at three different nadir spatial resolutions, 250m (bands 1-2), 500m (bands 3-7), and 1km (bands 8-36). MODIS subframe measurement is designed for bands 1-7 to match their spatial resolution in the scan direction to that of the track direction. Within each 1 km frame, the MODIS 250 m resolution bands sample four subframes and the 500 m resolution bands sample two subframes. The detector gains are calibrated at a subframe level. Due to calibration differences between subframes, noticeable subframe striping is observed in the Level 1B (L1B) products, which exhibit a predominant radiance-level dependence. This paper presents results of subframe differences from various onboard and earth-view data sources (e.g. solar diffuser, electronic calibration, spectro-radiometric calibration assembly, Earth view, etc.). A subframe bias correction algorithm is proposed to minimize the subframe striping in MODIS L1B image. The algorithm has been tested using sample L1B images and the vertical striping at lower radiance value is mitigated after applying the corrections. The subframe bias correction approach will be considered for implementation in future versions of the calibration algorithm.

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), a major instrument within NASA’s Earth Observation System missions, has operated for over 16 and 14 years onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites, respectively. Its reflective solar bands (RSB) covering a spectral range from 0.4 to 2.1 μm are primarily calibrated using the on-board solar diffuser (SD), with its on-orbit degradation monitored using the Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor. RSB calibrations are supplemented by near-monthly lunar measurements acquired from the instrument’s space-view port. Nine bands (bands 8-16) in the visible to near infrared spectral range from 0.412 to 0.866 μm are primarily used for ocean color observations. During a recent reprocessing of ocean color products, performed by the NASA’s Ocean Biology Processing Group, detector-to-detector differences of up to 1.5% were observed in bands 13-16 of Terra MODIS. This paper provides an overview of the current approach to characterize the MODIS detector-to-detector differences. An alternative methodology was developed to mitigate the observed impacts for bands 13-16. The results indicated an improvement in the detector residuals and in turn are expected to improve the MODIS ocean color products. This paper also discusses the limitations, subsequent enhancements, and the improvements planned for future MODIS calibration collections.

Nearly-identical MODIS instruments are operating onboard both the NASA EOS Terra and Aqua spacecraft. Each instrument records earth-scene data using 490 detectors divided among 36 spectral bands. These bands range in center wavelength from 0.4 μm to 14.2 μm to benefit studies of the entire earth system including land, atmosphere, and ocean disciplines. Many of the resultant science data products are the result of multiple bands used in combination. Any mis-registration between the bands would adversely affect subsequent data products. The relative registration between MODIS bands was measured pre-launch and continues to be monitored on-orbit via the Spectro-radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA), an on-board calibrator. Analysis has not only shown registration differences pre-launch, but also long-term and seasonal changes. While the ability to determine registration changes on-orbit using the SRCA is unique to MODIS, the use of ground targets to determine relative registration has been used for other instruments. This paper evaluates a ground target for MODIS spatial characterization using the MODIS calibrated data product. Results are compared against previously reported findings using MODIS data and the operational on-board characterization using the SRCA.

Since launch, both Terra and Aqua MODIS instruments have continued to operate and make measurements of the earth's top of atmospheric (TOA) radiances and reflectance. MODIS collects data in 36 spectral bands covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 14.4 microns. These spectral bands and detectors are located on four focal plane assemblies (FPAs). MODIS on-board calibrators (OBC) include a spectro-radiometric calibration assembly (SRCA), which was designed to characterize and monitor sensor spatial and spectral performance, such as on-orbit changes in the band-to-band registration (BBR), modulation transfer function (MTF), spectral band center wavelengths (CW) and bandwidths (BW). In this paper, we provide a status update of MODIS spatial and spectral characterization and performance, following a brief description of SRCA functions and on-orbit calibration activities. Sensor spatial and spectral performance parameters derived from SRCA measurements are introduced and discussed. Results show that on-orbit spatial performance has been very stable for both Terra and Aqua MODIS instruments. The large BBR shifts in Aqua MODIS, an issue identified pre-launch, have remained the same over its entire mission. On-orbit changes in CW and BW are less than 0.5 nm and 1 nm, respectively, for most VIS/NIR spectral bands of both instruments.

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is the keystone instrument for NASAs EOS Terra and Aqua missions, designed to extend and improve heritage sensor measurements and data records of the land, oceans and atmosphere. The reflective solar bands (RSB) of MODIS covering wavelengths from 0.41 micrometers to 2.2 micrometers, are calibrated on-orbit using a solar diffuser (SD), with its on-orbit bi-directional reflectance factor (BRF) changes tracked using a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). MODIS is a scanning radiometer using a two-sided paddle-wheel mirror to collect earth view (EV) data over a range of (+/-)55 deg. off instrument nadir. In addition to the solar calibration provided by the SD and SDSM system, lunar observations at nearly constant phase angles are regularly scheduled to monitor the RSB calibration stability. For both Terra and Aqua MODIS, the SD and lunar observations are used together to track the on-orbit changes of RSB response versus scan angle (RVS) as the SD and SV port are viewed at different angles of incidence (AOI) on the scan mirror. The MODIS Level 1B (L1B) Collection 6 (C6) algorithm incorporated several enhancements over its predecessor Collection 5 (C5) algorithm. A notable improvement was the use of the earth-view (EV) response trends from pseudo-invariant desert targets to characterize the on-orbit RVS for select RSB (Terra bands 1-4, 8, 9 and Aqua bands 8, 9) and the time, AOI, and wavelength-dependent uncertainty. The MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) has been maintaining and enhancing the C6 algorithm since its first update in November, 2011 for Aqua MODIS, and February, 2012 for Terra MODIS. Several calibration improvements have been incorporated that include extending the EV-based RVS approach to other RSB, additional correction for SD degradation at SWIR wavelengths, and alternative approaches for on-orbit RVS characterization. In addition to the on-orbit performance of the MODIS RSB, this paper also discusses in detail the recent calibration improvements implemented in the MODIS L1B C6.

The Terra and Aqua satellites are part of NASA’s Earth Observing System and both satellites host a nearly-identical Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Of the 36 MODIS spectral bands mounted among four Focal Plane Assemblies (FPAs) two have a 250 meter spatial resolution at nadir. Five bands have a spatial resolution of 500 meters, while the remaining bands make observations at 1 kilometer resolution. MODIS is equipped with a suite of onboard calibrators to track on-orbit changes in key sensor performance parameters. The Spectro-Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA) contains a calibration source that allows on-orbit assessment of MODIS spatial performance, providing information on current band-to-band registration (BBR), FPA-to-FPA registration (FFR), detector-to-detector registration (DDR), modulation transfer function (MTF), and instantaneous field-of-view (IFOV). In this paper, we present the methodology of the on-orbit spatial calibrations using SRCA and the results of these key spatial parameters. The MODIS spatial characteristics, measured on-orbit, are compared against design specifications and pre-launch measurements.

Both Terra MODIS and Landsat 7 (L7) Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) have been successfully operating for over 15 years to collect valuable measurements of the earth’s land, ocean, and atmosphere. The land-viewing bands of both sensors are widely used in several scientific products such as surface reflectance, normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index etc. A synergistic use of the multi-temporal measurements from both sensors can greatly benefit the science community. Previous effort from the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) was focused on comparing the top-of-atmosphere reflectance of the two sensors over Libya 4 desert target. Uncertainties caused by the site/atmospheric BRDF, spectral response mismatch, and atmospheric water-vapor were also characterized. In parallel, an absolute calibration approach based on empirical observation was also developed for the Libya 4 site by the South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Image Processing Lab. Observations from Terra MODIS and Earth Observing One (EO-1) Hyperion were used to model the Landsat ETM+ TOA reflectance. Recently, there has been an update to the MODIS calibration algorithm, which has resulted in the newly reprocessed Collection 6 Level 1B calibrated products. Similarly, a calibration update to some ETM+ bands has also resulted in long-term improvements of its calibration accuracy. With these updates, calibration differences between the spectrally matching bands of Terra MODIS and L7 ETM+ over the Libya 4 site are evaluated using both approaches.

The 36 MODIS spectral bands, with wavelengths ranging from 0.41 μm to 14.2 μm, are distributed on four focal plane assemblies: visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), short- and mid-wave infrared (SMIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR). The MODIS reflective solar bands (RSB) are calibrated onorbit using a solar diffuser (SD), with its reflectance degradation monitored using a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). The Terra MODIS SD degradation at 0.936 μm, as measured by the SDSM, is 2.4% after 14 years on-orbit. The Aqua MODIS SD degradation at 0.936 μm is 0.6% after 12 years on-orbit. The SWIR bands with spectral wavelengths centered at 1.24 μm (band 5), 1.37 μm (band 26), 1.64 μm (band 6), and 2.13 μm (band 7), are beyond the SDSM wavelength coverage (0.412 μm to 0.936 μm). Consequently, the gain of the SWIR bands is computed without factoring in the possible degradation of the SD. A technique to monitor the long-term stability of the MODIS SWIR bands is developed using pseudo-invariant desert targets. Results indicate a long-term drift of up to 1.5% of band 5 of Terra MODIS. The long-term stability of other Terra MODIS SWIR bands is seen to be within 0.5%. Similar results for Aqua MODIS indicate no observable drift, with changes within 0.5%. An implementation strategy to account for this correction in the MODIS Level 1 B (L1B) is also discussed.

Since launch in December 1999, Terra MODIS has successfully operated for nearly 15 years, making continuous observations. Data products derived from MODIS observations have significantly contributed to a wide range of studies of key geophysical parameters of the earth’s eco-system of land, ocean, and atmosphere, and their changes over time. The quality of MODIS data products relies on the dedicated effort to monitor and sustain instrument health and operation, to calibrate and update sensor parameters and properties, and to improve calibration algorithms. MODIS observations are made in 36 spectral bands, covering wavelengths from visible to long-wave infrared. The reflective solar bands (1-19 and 26) are primarily calibrated by a solar diffuser (SD) panel and regularly scheduled lunar observations. The thermal emissive bands (20-25 and 27- 36) calibration is referenced to an on-board blackbody (BB) source. On-orbit changes in the sensor spectral and spatial characteristics are monitored by a spectroradiometric calibration assembly (SRCA). This paper provides an overview of Terra MODIS on-orbit operation and calibration activities and implementation strategies. It presents and summarizes sensor on-orbit performance using nearly 15 years of data from its telemetry, on-board calibrators, and lunar observations. Also discussed in this paper are changes in sensor characteristics, corrections applied to maintain MODIS level 1B (L1B) data quality, and efforts for future improvements.

The MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has 20 reflective solar bands (RSB), which are calibrated using a solar diffuser (SD) and near-monthly scheduled lunar observations via a space view (SV) port. The sensor responses observed at two different angles of incidence (AOI) from the SD and lunar measurements are used to track the on-orbit RSB gain changes as well as the response versus scan-angle (RVS) changes. The MODIS RSB have experienced wavelength dependent degradation since launch with the larger degradation observed at the shorter wavelengths. In addition to the SD and lunar observations, the MODIS Characterization Support Team (MCST) regularly monitors the response trending at multiple AOI over selected desert sites. In Collection 6 (C6), a new algorithm using the EV measurements from pseudoinvariant desert sites was developed to better characterize the MODIS scan-angle dependence and it led to a significant improvement in the long-term calibration consistency of the MODIS Level 1B (L1B) products. This approach is formulated for all RSB, and its application was recently extended to Terra band 10, leading to a significant improvement in the ocean-color products. This paper discusses the current status and performance of the on-orbit RVS characterization as applied in C6. Also, the various challenges and future improvement strategies associated with trending the EV response for the high-gain ocean bands are discussed.

The MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) onboard the NASA EOS Terra and Aqua spacecraft were launched on December 18, 1999 and May 4, 2002 respectively. They have both successfully operated on-orbit for more than a decade. The spectral characteristics of the MODIS instruments were calibrated pre-launch using a ground calibration device called the Spectral Measurement Assembly (SpMA). The ground spectral characterization was transferred to an on-board device called the Spectro-Radiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA) for the Reflective Solar Bands (RSB) by measuring the sensor spectral responses near simultaneously with both SRCA and SpMA. After transferring the calibration reference from the SpMA, the SRCA was able to track the on-orbit spectral changes by performing periodic spectral mode operations. This paper provides brief descriptions of MODIS on-orbit spectral characterization via its on-board SRCA. In the algorithm description section, functional steps and spectral calibration methodologies are presented. This study will focus on MODIS SWIR bands (bands 5, 6, 7 and 26) as their center wavelengths are longer than 1μm, which is beyond the specified SRCA spectral calibration range. In addition to the SWIR bands, band 2 results are also included. Because of the pre-launch and on-orbit configuration differences, band 2 spectral characterization is referenced to the first onorbit results. A summary of Terra and Aqua MODIS on-orbit relative spectral response changes, such as center wavelength and bandwidth changes, is provided in this paper for all the RSB bands.

Since launch in May 2002, Aqua MODIS has successfully operated for nearly 10 years, continuously collecting global datasets for scientific studies of key parameters of the earth's land, ocean, and atmospheric properties and their changes over time. The quality of these geophysical parameters relies on the input quality of sensor calibrated radiances. MODIS observations are made in 36 spectral bands with wavelengths ranging from visible (VIS) to longwave infrared (LWIR). Its reflective solar bands (RSB) are calibrated using data collected from its on-board solar diffuser and regularly scheduled lunar views. The thermal emissive bands (TEB) are calibrated using an on-board blackbody (BB). The changes in the sensor's spectral and spatial characteristics are monitored by an on-board spectroradiometric calibration assembly (SRCA). This paper presents an overview of Aqua MODIS 10-year on-orbit operation and calibration activities, from launch to present, and summarizes its on-orbit radiometric, spectral, and spatial calibration and characterization performance. In addition, it will illustrate and discuss on-orbit changes in sensor characteristics and corrections applied to continuously maintain the sensor level 1B (L1B) data quality, as well as lessons learned that could benefit future calibration efforts.