The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Airborne Simulator (MAS) was developed for NASA’s high-altitude ER-2 research aircraft to support MODIS remote sensing algorithm development. Of the 50 MAS channels, 19 have corresponding channels on MODIS. With its much higher spatial resolution (50 m vs. 250-1000 m for MODIS), MAS provides unique information on the small-scale distribution of various geophysical parameters. One application of the MAS solar channels is the study of cloud properties at high spatial resolution. In addition to the remote sensing of cloud radiative and microphysical properties, MAS is valuable for the remote sensing of land and water properties under clear-sky conditions. MAS visible and near-infrared channels have been used to estimate suspended sediment concentration in near-shore waters and to identify water types. Land vegetation properties can also be studied.
