On Dec. 18, 1999, NASA launched the flagship of its nascent Earth Observing System fleet, ushering in a new era of monitoring Earth by satellite that has revolutionized scientists' understanding of our home planet.
The Terra satellite was designed to operate in space for six years. Today it turns 16 -- and is still returning invaluable data.
Terra helped confirm that Earth is absorbing more solar energy than it is emitting out to space; made possible the first (and now-routine) global monitoring of wildfires from space; and has collected vital long-term records of plant life and our atmosphere -- air pollutants, clouds and tiny particles such as dust, soot and black carbon.
Print your own Terra Driver's License here:http://terra.nasa.gov/
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