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Platforms

NASA operates state-of-the-art platforms that collect critical information about our home planet. Drill down to the data and tools you need by exploring platforms on Earth and in the sky.

Space-based Platforms

NASA’s fleet of Earth-orbiting platforms observe nearly every corner of the planet, providing data across all Earth science topics.

Learn more about space-based platforms
An image of a satelllite.
An image of an Airplane flying over rocky terrain.

Air-based Platforms

Data collected by instruments aboard aircraft, balloons, and other platforms that operate below low Earth orbit provide crucial information about our planet, and are also used to validate remote sensing measurements.

Learn more about air-based platforms

Land-based Platforms

Platforms such as vehicles, antennae, and field sites are rich sources of data that help researchers better understand and predict weather, climate, and changes to the Earth’s surface.

Learn more about land-based platforms
image of satellite ground receivers
image of NASA ship at dock

Water-based Platforms

Data from ships, boats, and buoys advance our knowledge of how changes in Earth’s systems affect water quality, water supply, and sea level rise.

Learn more about water-based platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Earthdata Forum

Our online forum provides a space for users to browse thousands of FAQs about research needs, data, and data applications. You can also submit new questions for our experts to answer.

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