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An overview of EarthCARE's Data, Innovation and Science Cluster
Following the launch of ESA's EarthCARE (Cloud, Aerosol, and Radiation Explorer) satellite in May 2024, a group of experts from 16 organisations are ready to begin work on quality control and calibration and validation activities related to the mission's data products.
Introducing EarthCARE’s Data, Innovation and Science Cluster
ESA’s EarthCARE mission has launched, and its four instruments have been successfully fired up, working in synergy to monitor clouds and aerosols and their role in regulating the climate.
Exploring EarthCARE Mission Objectives
Learn about the EarthCARE mission's global observations of clouds, aerosols, and radiation
Introducing the EarthCARE Satellite
View the design and rigorous testing of the EarthCARE satellite to ensure its reliability.
Showcasing Earth Explorer success stories from around the world
The Earth Explorers programme consists of a series of satellites that share the common goal of advancing Earth science by helping answer principal scientific questions through observation of Earth’s key systems.
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.
EarthCARE mission overview
EarthCARE mission involves comprehending the significance of clouds and aerosols in reflecting solar radiation back into space and trapping infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface.
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.
Meet Björn Frommknecht, EarthCARE Mission Manager
Björn Frommknecht provides insights into his position as Mission Manager of EarthCARE and shares his enthusiasm for the Earth Explorer mission.
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.