You may be wondering how Earth science data gets to the MY NASA DATA Web site from a satellite. After performing scans through the atmosphere, satellites send electronic signals from their positions in orbit to ground station receivers at a particular time each day. The ground stations then send the information to data processing centers that use scientific algorithms (mathematical formulae) to turn the electronic signals into Earth science parameters. The data centers also archive (save) the data products and create web interfaces for users to order or view the data online.

A satellite may have one or more instruments onboard its platform measuring different parameters. Each satellite instrument is backed by a team of scientists who have carefully planned how the instrument will scan, measure and verify its observations.