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Terra

active
Earth ObservationLEOCOSPAR 1999-068ALaunched 12/18/1999
Admin Edit
Mission & Launch
Launch Mission
Terra Mission
Launch Vehicle
Atlas IIAS
Launch Date
12/18/1999
Orbit & Mass
Orbit Class
LEO
Altitude
670.5 km
Inclination
98.24 deg
Dry Mass
4,854 kg
Total Mass
5,190 kg
Payload Classification
Mission Type
Earth Observation
Payload Category
IMG
Payload Class
C
Organizations
Operator
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Registry
COSPAR ID
1999-068A
UN Registration
ST/SG/SER.E/369
Track
Mentions
80
All verified mentions of this spacecraft in source documents.
0.0-5.0
Actions

The self-funded Terra Nova mission is a dual-use defense and commercial demonstration satellite that has been under development for the last year.

PlanValue 3.0Dec 2, 2025NordSpace announces its Space Systems Lab and provides new details on Terra Nova mission

Terra Nova will incorporate the Zephyr-EP, a small stackable electric propulsion demonstrator with hall effect thrusters producing approximately 50 mN of thrust.

Capability
Page3of4
Value 4.7
Dec 2, 2025
NordSpace announces its Space Systems Lab and provides new details on Terra Nova mission

The Terra Nova mission is manifested by ExoLaunch for the SpaceX Transporter-17 mission scheduled for no earlier than June 2026.

PlanRelationshipsValue 4.0Dec 2, 2025NordSpace announces its Space Systems Lab and provides new details on Terra Nova mission

Terra Nova will utilize the Chronos Camera Imager for Earth observation and situational awareness with on-edge AI image processing.

CapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Dec 2, 2025NordSpace announces its Space Systems Lab and provides new details on Terra Nova mission

On January 21, 2024, the CaSSIS camera imaged the sunlit limb of Mars while passing 400 km above Terra Cimmeria in Mars's southern highlands.

CapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Oct 10, 2025Martian skies reveal intricate atmospheric layers in new orbiter images

THEIA is part of the Data Terra research infrastructure, which includes several environmental data centers.

GeneralValue 2.0Mar 18, 2025[Blog] CNES renews its contribution to THEIA land data center

Terra data is employed by various entities for assessing aerosol emissions, sea ice analysis, monitoring fire growth, and agricultural changes.

GeneralValue 2.0Oct 28, 2024Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 2)

The US Geological Survey utilizes Terra for mapping minerals and volcanic hazards.

CapabilityGeneralValue 2.3Oct 28, 2024Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 2)

The 2021 NASA IG Report raised concerns about the mass and operational longevity of the Terra and QuikSCAT missions.

CapabilityGeneralValue 2.3Oct 28, 2024Weighing overall societal benefit: Case studies on deciding when to deorbit satellites (part 2)

Terra Drone's strategic investments in Unifly and Aloft anchor the partnership.

RelationshipsValue 3.5Apr 25, 2024Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft Technologies to Develop Global UTM Infrastructure

Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft are seeking partnerships with eVTOL manufacturers, operators, vertiport operators, aviation authorities, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), and urban planners.

RelationshipsGeneralValue 2.0Apr 25, 2024Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft Technologies to Develop Global UTM Infrastructure

This partnership is the first collaboration among multiple UTM leaders, pooling together expertise from Unifly, Aloft, and Terra Drone.

RelationshipsValue 2.0Apr 25, 2024Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft Technologies to Develop Global UTM Infrastructure

Terra Drone, Unifly, and Aloft are engaging in joint business development to capitalize on opportunities in eVTOLs.

RelationshipsGrowthValue 3.0Apr 25, 2024Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft Technologies to Develop Global UTM Infrastructure

Terra Drone has successfully completed over 3,000 surveys and inspection projects in 10 countries.

CapabilityGeneralValue 3.0Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

Terra Drone Agri develops its business in Malaysia and Indonesia under the brand 'Terra Agri'.

GrowthValue 2.0Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

Terra Drone has established a new company, Terra Drone Agri, in Malaysia.

RelationshipsGeneralValue 2.4Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

Drones provided by Terra Drone empower farmers to reduce pesticide use and achieve a lower carbon footprint.

CapabilityGeneralValue 2.0Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

Terra Drone's subsidiary, Unifly, operates the most widely adopted unmanned traffic management system in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

GeneralCapabilityValue 2.0Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

The integration of Terra Drone's UAV technology with Avirtech’s precision farming has driven the growth of Terra Agri.

RelationshipsGrowthValue 3.6Sep 22, 2023Terra Drone Acquires Avirtech, Expands into Agriculture Sector

Arlula will use the new funding to scale into new markets and expand the capabilities of its Geostack Terra platform.

GrowthCapabilityValue 2.5May 22, 2023Arlula Secures $1.5 million in Seed Funding to Expand Access to EO Data