How do I install the earthdata mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `EARTHDATA_USERNAME`, `EARTHDATA_PASSWORD` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Earthdata MCP Server

If you need notebook/runtime tools, compose this server with `jupyter-mcp-server` using [mcp-compose](https://github.com/datalayer/mcp-compose).

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Earthdata MCP Server?

If you need notebook/runtime tools, compose this server with jupyter-mcp-server using mcp-compose.

What the server does

Dataset discovery on NASA Earthdata
Granule search with temporal and bounding box filters
Flexible download workflow with explicit execution modes

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
search_earth_datasets
search_earth_datagranules
download_earth_data_granules

How to install the Earthdata MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "earthdata": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "EARTHDATA_USERNAME",
        "-e",
        "EARTHDATA_PASSWORD",
        "datalayer/earthdata-mcp-server:latest"
      ],
      "env": {
        "EARTHDATA_USERNAME": "your_username",
        "EARTHDATA_PASSWORD": "YOUR_EARTHDATA_PASSWORD"
      }
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
EARTHDATA_USERNAME	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation
EARTHDATA_PASSWORD	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation

Example prompts to try

“Use Earthdata to search earth datasets.”
“Use Earthdata to search earth datagranules.”
“Use Earthdata to download earth data granules.”

Frequently asked questions

If you need notebook/runtime tools, compose this server with `jupyter-mcp-server` using [mcp-compose](https://github.com/datalayer/mcp-compose). Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.

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