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Diffbot API vs Minor Planet Center

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIDiffbot APINEW—Minor Planet CenterNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesno
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified (data derived from JPL/MPC)
Free tierFree tier — API key may be required for productionFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Diffbot API vs Minor Planet Center: common questions

Which is more reliable, Diffbot API or Minor Planet Center?

On our scheduled checks, Minor Planet Center leads on measured uptime — Diffbot API at —% versus Minor Planet Center at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do Diffbot API and Minor Planet Center need an API key?

Minor Planet Center needs no key, while Diffbot API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Minor Planet Center first.

Can I call Diffbot API and Minor Planet Center from the browser?

Only Diffbot API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Minor Planet Center needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Diffbot API and Minor Planet Center free for commercial use?

Diffbot API has unclear commercial terms, and Minor Planet Center has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.