Welcome to the CloudSat Data Processing Center

CloudSat is a satellite mission designed to measure the vertical structure of clouds from space. The radar data produces detailed images of cloud structures which will contribute to a better understanding of clouds and climate. Please peruse this website to find out more about the CloudSat mission and the Data Processing Center.

Visit the main CloudSat project website at Colorado State University.

CloudSat Reaction Wheel Anomaly

July 10, 2017
The CloudSat spacecraft entered standby mode on June 4th, 2017 after experiencing a problem with one of its four reaction wheels. Tests are underway to determine how to solve the problem and resume operations.
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R05 Product Release

April 13, 2017

CloudSat is announcing the release of the first batch of R05 data products to the General Science Community.  Products included in this release are:  

  • 1B-CPR:  L1B Received echo power
  • MODIS-AUX:  MODIS radiances and cloud mask matched to the CPR footprint
  • ECMWF-AUX:  ECMWF state variables
  • 2B-GEOPROF:  L2B radar reflectivity and cloud mask
  • 2B-GEOPROF-LIDAR:  L2B CPR + CALIOP cloud mask (including post-battery anomaly orbits)
  • 2B-TB94:  L2B 94 GHz Brightness Temperature (new for R05)
  • 2C-PRECIP-COLUMN:  L2C precipitation incidence flag

Note that in addition to product-specific improvements that will be detailed in forthcoming documentation there are two changes users need to be aware of. Profiles that were previously not included in R04 data files because of spacecraft/instrument issues are included in R05. If the Data_quality field is not zero for a profile users will either want to skip the profile or examine the other data status flags to determine if it should be used. Also, R05 filenames now include “_F00” for possible fixes within a released product version.

Data files are available via FTP from ftp://ftp.cloudsat.cira.colostate.edu under <product>.<version> directories (e.g., 2B-GEOPROF.P_R05) and <year>/<day of year> subdirectories.  Users are asked to set up an account if they don’t have one already on the DPC website at http://www.cloudsat.cira.colostate.edu.  DPC website credentials are used to log into the FTP server.

These products are in the process of being added to the DPC web ordering page and product documents are being updated.  Look for status updates in the coming days on the DPC home page.   Please report any issues or questions to the DPC at cloudsat@colostate.edu.


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CloudSat releases algorithm uncertainty study

September 1, 2016
The CloudSat algorithm development leads have completed a synthesis of algorithm uncertainties. The synopsis describes the known uncertainties in the Cloudsat algorithms and provides the relevant technical and peer reviewed references for data end-users. The algorithm development team plans to update the document periodically as new data releases become available.
Related Products: 2B-CLDCLASS, 2B-CLDCLASS-LIDAR, 2B-CWC-RO, 2B-CWC-RVOD, 2B-FLXHR, 2B-FLXHR-LIDAR, 2B-GEOPROF, 2C-PRECIP-COLUMN, 2C-RAIN-PROFILE, 2C-SNOW-PROFILE

CloudSat's 10th Anniversary

April 28, 2016

Ten years ago on April 28th, 2006, the CloudSat and CALIPSO satellites were launched into orbit. Since then both spacecraft have been gathering data to support cloud research, weather forecasting and climate modeling. Check out the Colorado State University press release.


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New Data Ordering System

April 15, 2016
Dear CloudSat DPC User,
 
Our new data distribution system is now live. While your username has been transferred the new system, you will need to update your password on the DPC website at http://www.cloudsat.cira.colostate.edu/user/password to use the data ordering page and direct access FTP server.
 
If you have any questions about the change please contact us at http://www.cloudsat.cira.colostate.edu/contact.
 
Thanks,
 
- CloudSat DPC Team
 

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