Users of MODIS Terra and Aqua data from the NASA National Snow and Ice Data DAAC should be aware that a Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Request for Information (RFI) was released on September 8, 2022 by the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). This RFI seeks input from the science community that will be considered in the development and implementation of a Terra, Aqua, and Aura (T, A, & A) Drifting Orbits workshop planned for later this calendar year.
The aging Terra, Aqua, and Aura spacecrafts are nearing the end of their lifespan. All three satellites have sufficient remaining propellant to continue operations for a few more years, but the amount of propellant is insufficient to maintain the platforms in controlled equatorial Mean Local Time (MLT) polar orbits. The imminent orbital drifts suggests that, for many purposes, future observations will have reduced scientific and application value compared to data from fixed MLT orbits.
As the periods of orbital drift approach, NASA Headquarters Earth Science Division (ESD) is currently requesting input from the science community addressing:
1) science that is new or uniquely enabled by observations during the period of orbital drift
2) the benefits to and impact on current societal applications.
To participate or uncover more details about NASA’s Terra, Aqua, and Aura Drifting Orbits Workshop RFI, please refer to the details below.
Number: NNH22ZDA018L
Release Date: September 08, 2022
Response Date: October 11, 2022
Direct URL: https://go.nasa.gov/NH22ZDA018L