Terra's Orbital Drift

Terra has been collecting crucial data on Earth's systems for over 20 years. In 2020, it performed its final inclination maneuver to maintain its equatorial crossing time. Since then, Terra has drifted to an earlier crossing time, and by 2022, it will cross before 10:15 AM. This change will lead to a new orbit, affecting data and imagery, with longer shadows and narrower sensor views. Despite these changes, the scientific impact is minimal, and Terra's data will continue to support research in land morphology, surface temperature, and climate for years.

What was the purpose of Terra's final inclination maneuver in 2020?

• To increase its fuel efficiency

• To change its orbit completely

• To maintain its equatorial crossing time

• To collect data from a different angle

By fall 2022, what change is expected in Terra's equatorial crossing time?

• It will be exactly at noon

• It will be earlier than 10:15 AM

• It will remain the same

• It will be later than 10:30 AM

What visual change will be noticeable in Terra's imagery due to the earlier crossing time?

• Brighter colors

• Higher resolution

• Longer shadows

• Wider swath widths

How will Terra's closer orbit affect its sensors' views?

• They will remain unchanged

• They will become narrower

• They will become distorted

• They will become wider

What potential benefits might arise from Terra's closer orbit for scientific research?

• Increased fuel efficiency

• Enhanced land morphology and climate research

• Better weather forecasting

• Improved satellite communication