Earthdata Login

NASA’s free single-sign-on account. One login unlocks data across all 12 DAACs.

Why it matters

Almost every NASA data download requires it (open data, but authenticated for usage tracking). The earthaccess Python library handles it via a .netrc file so you log in once.

Where you’ll meet it

• earthaccess.login() is the first line of almost every download or streaming script — it authenticates you before any granule comes across the wire.
• Browsing and searching CMR (finding collections and granules) needs no login at all; the credentials only kick in the moment you actually fetch the data.
• The same account works whether you pull MODIS NDVI, SMAP soil moisture, or GEDI canopy data — one login spans all 12 DAACs.

In plain terms

A single library card honored at every NASA branch — free to get, needed to check anything out.