MOS-1 VTIR Visible and Thermal Infrared Satellite Imagery

MOS-1 and MOS-1b satellites, launched by Japan in 1987, provide earth surface and atmospheric imagery via the VTIR sensor. Data collection involved a global network of ground stations, including sites in Japan, Europe, Australia, Canada, Thailand, and Antarctica. The VTIR sensor captures one visible band and three infrared bands for cloud, surface, and temperature analysis.

Use Cases

• Analyze cloud distribution patterns from the visible band imagery across different geographical regions.
• Model sea surface temperature distribution using data from the three infrared thermal bands.
• Study atmospheric vapor content in upper air regions based on infrared band measurements.
• Compare earth observation data from multiple international ground stations listed in the dataset metadata.

Strengths

• Global data acquisition from 10 international ground stations spanning multiple continents.
• Sensor provides four spectral bands (one visible, three infrared) for multi-faceted analysis.
• Data coverage radius of approximately 2710 km around each receiving station.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, column details, and file sizes are unknown.
• Data is historical, originating from satellites launched in 1987, limiting analysis of recent conditions.
• Sample data and specific data formats are unavailable for preview.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata platform, sourced from the MOS-1 and MOS-1b satellites operated by Japan (NASDA).

Collection Method

Collected by the VTIR (Visible and Thermal Infrared Radiometer) sensor on board the satellite and received at international ground stations.

Time Range

Operation periods for stations began in May 1987 and continued, indicating primary data from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Freshness

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Geography

Global coverage from stations in Japan, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Thailand, Canada, and Antarctica.