MODIS data from Terra and Aqua satellites

The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) mission is entering it's fourth year of successful operation and has yielded staggering amounts of data types and volumes. After the first MODIS launch in November 1999 on board the Tera satellite, a second instrument was bought to orbit on board of the Aqua satellite in May 2002. Both instruments can provide global coverage in 250-1000 m resolutions in just one day. The distribution of all MODIS data by any single NASA Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) is not feasible. Thus, the Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) DAAC produces Level 1A and 1B, and distributes the latter as well as the higher level of Ocean and Atmosphere products. Our goal is to give a generic picture of MODIS products and services available from GES DAAC, intended for users introducing themselves to the MODIS mission.