Featured Terra Image

Fifteen year ago on December 18th, Terra was launched and started to see Earth for the first time. As the Flagship Earth Observing Satellite, Terra was the first satellite to look at Earth system science, collecting multiple types of data dedicated to various areas of Earth science. It joined other satellites designed to monitor specific areas of Earth science and has since been joined by others that all work in concert to collect data that leads to a better understanding of how our planet functions as a whole.

Since Terras launch, scientists are able to document relationships between Earths systems and examine their connections. Through every pass that Terra makes and every piece of data it and the other Earth Observing Satellites collect, the picture of our earth gets richer, revealing trends and connections for the entire earth, impacting all of Earths inhabitants.

The images above are the first images captured by each of Terras five instruments in 2000, shortly after Terras launch.

These images were the first attempts to tell the story of Earths systems. With every pass of Terra the story becomes richer with data.

Terras original design life was 6 years, after 15 years in orbit, Terra has been collecting valuable data about our planet for two and a half times its planned lifetime. This is due in no small part to the dedicated scientists and engineers who built, launched, and continue to maintain this valuable spacecraft that has surpassed its original mission objectives and continues to make outstanding contributions to Earth science.

Congratulations Terra and all of those who continue to support this exceptional mission. Happy fifteenth anniversary!

To learn more about some of Terra and the other EOS missions contributions, read the new NASA feature story, Earth From Space: 15 Amazing Things in 15 Years

Terra explores the connections between Earth's atmosphere, land, snow and ice, ocean, and energy balance to understand Earth's climate and climate change and to map the impact of human activity and natural disasters on communities and ecosystems.

Continue reading here:

Terra | The EOS Flagship