NASA's Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory MISR science team, have released updated versions of the MISR Browse Tool and the ASDC MISR Order and Customization Tool. These updates enable data users to view and access MISR data collected after the October 2022 repositioning of the Terra satellite.
The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), onboard the Terra satellite, has been providing multi-angle observations of Earth’s surface and atmosphere since 1999. MISR’s unique nine-angle imaging capability enables improved characterization of aerosols, clouds, and surface properties, supporting studies in air quality, climate, and land processes.
Terra underwent its final orbital repositioning maneuver in October 2022, lowering its orbit to extend mission life and optimize fuel usage. This maneuver altered MISR’s observation geometry and acquisition timing, requiring updates to downstream data processing systems, including higher-level aggregated products. As a result, the ASDC has updated visualization tools and data services to support post-maneuver observations.
The MISR Browse Tool enables users to explore Level 1 swath-based imagery by selecting specific geographic locations and acquisition dates. Users can access the updated MISR Browse Tool.
The ASDC MISR Order and Customization Tool provides users with the ability to customize Level 1 and Level 2 products, while also offering Level 3 MISR data by date, time, and geolocation. Other specific features of the tool include:
- Multiple consecutive and non-consecutive path and orbit searches
- Sorting search results by date, path, orbit, camera, and file version
- Subsetting by block and by spatial coordinates
- Unpacking and unscaling applicable fields
Note: Only FIRSTLOOK products are currently available for download for the period after the Terra maneuver. All remaining products are expected to be processed by the end of 2026. Users can access the updated ASDC MISR Order and Customization Tool.
User guides and Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs) describing MISR data products and retrieval algorithms are available through the MISR Earthdata page. For questions about this data release or assistance with data access, please contact the ASDC User Services team or visit the Earthdata Forum.