These satellites and sensors are represented in the terms by which they are most commonly known. In some cases the name of the satellite, in other instances the actual sensor on the satellite. See the Satellites and Sensors table on the Satellite Facts page for further information.
Landsat
Geoscience Australia receives and processes data from the Landsat series of satellites. Landsat MSS data has been recorded over Australia since 1972, when the USGS launched the first of its Landsat series. Australia has been receiving this data since October 1979.
ALOS
The new Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) provides high quality, low cost Earth observation data for topographical mapping, disaster and environmental monitoring, and climate change studies. For information on ordering go to ALOS how to order page.
RESOURCESAT-1 (IRS-P6)
The Resourcesat-1 (IRS-P6) satellite provides high quality Earth observation data for integrated land and water resources management purposes.
ASTER
Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) is a sensor onboard the Terra satellite, launched in December 1999. The Terra satellite also carries the MODIS sensor and follows a similar orbit to Landsat 7.
MODIS
Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) is the key instrument onboard the satellites called Terra (EOS AM-1), launched on 18 December 1999, and Aqua (EOS PM-1), launched on 4 May 2002.
NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the USA operates the series of NOAA satellites which each carry the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor.
EO-1
Products derived from the Hyperion and ALI sensors onboard the EO-1 satellite are available from Geoscience Australia through a special arrangement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
ALOS PALSAR
The Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) instrument is an active microwave sensor for cloud-free and day-and-night observation.
RADARSAT-1
The RADARSAT-1 satellite was launched on 4 November 1995. It has a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor onboard. This sensor can operate in a variety of imaging modes to suit a range of applications. Provides cloud-free and day-and-night observation.
ERS
The first satellite in this series, Earth Resource Satellite (ERS-1) was launched on 17 July 1991. ERS-2 was launched on 20 April 1995. Provides cloud-free and day-and-night observation.
JERS-1
The Japanese Earth Resources Satellite-1 (JERS-1) is a joint project between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). JAXA is in charge of the satellite while MITI is responsible for the observation equipment. Cloud-free and day-and-night observation data are available.