MODIS Airborne Simulator (eMAS)

OVERVIEW

The Enhanced MODIS Airborne Simulator (eMAS) is an airborne scanning spectrometer that acquires high spatial resolution imagery of cloud and surface features from its vantage point on-board a NASA ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft.

Data acquired by the eMAS are helping to define, develop, test, and refine algorithms for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), a key sensor of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). The MODIS program emphasizes the use of remotely sensed data to monitor variation in environmental conditions for assessing global climate change.

The eMAS instrument is maintained and operated by the Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF) at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, under the oversight of the EOS Project Science Office at NASA Goddard. Instrument scheduling is coordinated by the ASF, with formal arrangements made via the NASA Airborne Science Program Flight Request System (you will need to register for a new account, if you are not already in the system). This process is the formal mechanism for requesting use of NASA's airborne science assets. Once the request is approved by the Airborne Science Program and funding is verified, the requester will be contacted to arrange scheduling and details of the data collection activity.

The eMAS instrument team devotes considerable effort to ensuring the quality and accuracy of its data products. If you publish scientific results involving eMAS data, please include a reference to:

King, Menzel, Grant, Myers, Arnold, Platnick, Gumley, Tsay, Moeller, Fitzgerald, Brown, and Osterwisch, 1996: Airborne scanning spectrometer for remote sensing of cloud, aerosol, water vapor and surface properties. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 13, 777-794.

NEWS & EVENTS

eMAS Returns To Flight

The eMAS instrument has been upgraded with new hardware and has returned to flight to participate in the high altitude portion of the FIREX-AQ Campaign.

View the FIREX-AQ Campaign page

In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that the eMAS instrument team announces the passing of Michael T. Fitzgerald, a long-time member and friend of the Airborne Sensor Facility.