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EarthCARE’s on the move—what now?
The much-awaited EarthCARE satellite successfully embarked on its journey into space on 29 May 2024, at 00:20 CEST, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA—anticipation of the new data is causing excitement in the remote sensing community.
ESA EarthCARE Online Dissemination Service User Guidelines
This user guide describes how to access EarthCARE data through the Online Dissemination Service
Beyond cloud nine: 10 reasons to be excited about EarthCARE
With the launch of EarthCARE, ESA’s most complex Earth Explorer satellite yet, clouds, aerosols and radiation are about to become a whole lot clearer – at least scientifically.
ERS ATSR fourth Reprocessing datasets available to users
The fourth Reprocessing of the ATSR L1B datasets derived from the ERS-1 and ERS-2 satellites have now been released to users by the European Space Agency (ESA).
ERS ATSR L1B Brightness Temperature/Radiance [ER1_AT_1_RBT / ER2_AT_1_RBT]
Band measurements with associated uncertainty estimates. The ERS-1/2 ATSR Level 1B Brightness Temperature/Radiance products (RBT) contain top of atmosphere (TOA) brightness temperature (BT) values for the infra-red channels and radiance values for the visible channels, when available, on a 1-km pixel grid. The visible channels are only available for the ATSR-2 instrument. Values for each channel and for the nadir and oblique views occupy separate NetCDF files within the Sentinel-SAFE format, along with associated uncertainty estimates. Additional files contain cloud flags, land and water masks, and confidence flags for each image pixel, as well as instrument and ancillary meteorological information. The ATSR-1 and ATSR-2 products [ER1_AT_1_RBT and ER2_AT_1_RBT], in NetCDF format stemming from the 4th ATSR reprocessing, are precursors of Envisat AATSR and Sentinel-3 SLSTR data. They have replaced the former L1B products [AT1_TOA_1P and AT2_TOA_1P] in Envisat format from the 3rd reprocessing. Users with Envisat-format products are recommended to move to the new Sentinel-SAFE like/NetCDF format products, and consult the ERS ATSR Product Notice Readme document. The processing updates that have been put in place and the expected scientific improvements for the ERS ATSR 4th reprocessing data have been outlined in full in the User Documentation for (A)ATSR 4th Reprocessing Products
Showcasing Fundamental Data Records for Altimetry
ESA has developed a comprehensive suite of Earth system data records as part of the Fundamental Data Records for Altimetry (FDR4ALT) project.
EarthCARE JAXA L2 Products
This EarthCARE collection contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
EarthCARE ESA L2 Products
This EarthCARE collection contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
EarthCARE L1 Products
This EarthCARE collection contains the following data products: Level 1b: Fully Calibrated and Geolocated Instrument Science Measurements Level 1b data represents the fully processed, calibrated, and geolocated measurements from EarthCARE's instruments. Each measurement is aligned with the native instrument grid. For the Broadband Radiometer (BBR), measurements are also spatially integrated to various ground pixel sizes. Level 1c (MSI only): MSI Level 1b Data Interpolated to a Common Spatial Grid Specifically for the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI), Level 1c data involves interpolating Level 1b measurements onto a standardised spatial grid that is consistent across all MSI bands. This grid closely matches the spacing used in MSI Level 1b data. Level 1d: Joint Standard Grid (JSG) for all instruments with ECMWF Meteorological Fields. Level 1d data provides a spatial grid to enable easy collocation and synergistic use of the data from all EarthCARE instruments, named the "joint standard grid." Additionally, this level incorporates ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) meteorological fields limited to the EarthCARE swath, enabling comprehensive analysis and modelling of atmospheric conditions within the satellite's coverage area. CPR level 1b: C-NOM products is generated and provided by JAXA. This product is used as input, in combination with the X-MET aux file, for different processors in the EarthCARE production chain. AUX_MET_1D: meteorological analysis and forecast fields X-MET provided by ECMWF. This product is used as input, in combination with the C-NOM product, for different processors in the EarthCARE production chain.
EarthCARE Orbit Data
EarthCARE data products encompass essential supporting auxiliary (AUX) and orbit data critical for accurate sensor data processing and analysis. Orbit data consists of on-board satellite data and orbital information predicted or determined by the Flight Operations Segment (FOS). For EarthCARE, this includes Reconstructed Orbit and Attitude Files, which provide detailed satellite positioning and orientation information. The integration of AUX and orbit data into EarthCARE's data processing workflow ensures the production of high-quality, scientifically valuable datasets for atmospheric research, climate modelling, and environmental monitoring.
EarthCARE ESA L2 Products for the Commissioning Team
This EarthCARE collection contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
EarthCARE Auxiliary Data for Cal/Val Users
EarthCARE data products encompass essential supporting auxiliary (AUX) and orbit data critical for accurate sensor data processing and analysis. AUX data includes datasets used outside the primary Space Segment stream to apply corrections to sensor data. This comprises previously derived calibration parameters, ground control data, and digital elevation data. Calibration parameters ensure measurement accuracy, while ground control data aids in data validation, and digital elevation data enables precise geolocation. Orbit data consists of on-board satellite data and orbital information. For EarthCARE, this includes Reconstructed Orbit and Attitude Files, which provide detailed satellite positioning and orientation information. The integration of AUX and orbit data into EarthCARE's data processing workflow ensures the production of high-quality, scientifically valuable datasets for atmospheric research, climate modelling, and environmental monitoring.
EarthCARE L0 and L1 Products for the Commissioning Team
This EarthCARE collection for the Commissioning Team contains the following data products: Level 0: Annotated Raw Instrument Source Packets These packets contain unprocessed data as generated by EarthCARE's instruments, annotated with basic metadata in front of each packet Level 1b: Fully Calibrated and Geolocated Instrument Measurements Level 1b products are fully processed, calibrated, and geolocated measurements from EarthCARE's instruments. Each measurement is aligned with the native instrument grid. For the Broadband Radiometer (BBR), measurements are also spatially integrated to various ground pixel sizes. Level 1C (MSI only): MSI Level 1b Data Interpolated to a Common Spatial Grid Specifically for the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI), Level 1c data involves interpolating Level 1b measurements onto a standardised spatial grid that is consistent across all MSI bands. This grid closely matches the spacing used in MSI Level 1b data. Level 1D: Joint Standard Grid (JSG) for all Instruments and ECMWF Meteorological Fields Level 1d data provide a spatial grid to enable easy collocation and synergistic use of the data from all EarthCARE instruments, named the "joint standard grid." Additionally, this level incorporates ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) meteorological fields limited to the EarthCARE swath, enabling comprehensive analysis and modelling of atmospheric conditions within the satellite's coverage area.
EarthCARE L1 Products for Cal/Val Users
This EarthCARE collection is restrained, and contains the following data products: Level 1B: Fully Calibrated and Geolocated Instrument Science Measurements Level 1b data represents the fully processed, calibrated, and geolocated measurements from EarthCARE's instruments. Each measurement is aligned with the native instrument grid. For the Broadband Radiometer (BBR), measurements are also spatially integrated to various ground pixel sizes. Level 1C (MSI only): MSI Level 1b Data Interpolated to a Common Spatial Grid Specifically for the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI), Level 1c data involves interpolating Level 1b measurements onto a standardised spatial grid that is consistent across all MSI bands. This grid closely matches the spacing used in MSI Level 1b data. Level 1D: Joint Standard Grid (JSG) for all instruments with ECMWF Meteorological Fields. Level 1d data provides a spatial grid to enable easy collocation and synergistic use of the data from all EarthCARE instruments, named the "joint standard grid." Additionally, this level incorporates ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) meteorological fields limited to the EarthCARE swath, enabling comprehensive analysis and modelling of atmospheric conditions within the satellite's coverage area.
EarthCARE ESA L2 Products for Cal/Val Users
This EarthCARE collection is restrained, and contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
EarthCARE JAXA L2 Products for Cal/Val Users
This EarthCARE collection is restrained, and contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
EarthCARE JAXA L2 Products for the Commissioning Team
This EarthCARE collection contains the following data products: Level 2a: Single-Instrument Geophysical Products These products are derived from individual instrument data onboard EarthCARE. They provide detailed geophysical parameters and properties specific to each instrument's capabilities for example cloud and aerosol properties derived solely from radar or lidar measurements, offering high-resolution insights into atmospheric phenomena. Level 2b: Synergistic Geophysical Products Level 2b products leverage data from multiple EarthCARE instruments to generate comprehensive, synergistic geophysical datasets. By combining measurements from instruments like radar, lidar, and radiometers, these products offer a more integrated view of cloud-aerosol interactions and atmospheric dynamics. Synergistic products provide enhanced accuracy and depth compared to single-instrument outputs, enabling detailed studies of complex atmospheric processes.
ESA's improved Earth system data records: what is in store for the future?
Fundamental Data Records (FDRs) are instrumental in advancing our understanding of Earth systems and for addressing societal challenges effectively. These long-term records contain uncertainty-quantified, calibrated and geo-located multi-instrument/multi-platform satellite sensor data spanning several decades to support climate-related applications.
FDR4ALT - ESA unveils new cutting-edge ERS/Envisat Altimeter and Microwave Radiometer Datasets
The European Space Agency (ESA) has developed a comprehensive suite of innovative Earth system data records as part of the Fundamental Data Records for Altimetry project - FDR4ALT.
Fundamental Data Records for Radiometry [MWR_FDR___]
This dataset is a Fundamental Data Record (FDR) resulting from the ESA FDR4ALT project. The Fundamental Data Record for Radiometry V1 products contain intercalibrated Top of the Atmosphere brightness temperatures at 23.8 and 36.5 GHz. The collection covers data for the ERS-1, ERS-2 and Envisat missions, and is built upon a new processing of Level 0 data, incorporating numerous improvements in terms of algorithms, flagging procedures, and corrections. Compared to existing datasets, the Radiometry FDR demonstrates notable improvements in several aspects: New solutions for instrumental effects (ERS Reflector loss, Skyhorn, and Sidelobe corrections) Native sampling rate of 7Hz with enhanced coverage The FDR4ALT products are available in NetCDF format. Free standard tools for reading NetCDF data can be used. Information for expert altimetry users is also available in a dedicated NetCDF group within the products. Please consult the FDR4ALT Product User Guide before using the data. The FDR4ALT datasets represent the new reference data for the ERS/Envisat altimetry missions, superseding any previous mission data. Users are strongly encouraged to make use of these datasets for optimal results.