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JPL Close Approach vs TLE

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

APIJPL Close ApproachNEW—TLENEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

JPL Close Approach vs TLE: common questions

Which is more reliable, JPL Close Approach or TLE?

On our scheduled checks, TLE leads on measured uptime — JPL Close Approach at —% versus TLE 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 JPL Close Approach and TLE need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — JPL Close Approach is callable with no signup, and TLE is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call JPL Close Approach and TLE from the browser?

Only TLE is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. JPL Close Approach needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are JPL Close Approach and TLE free for commercial use?

JPL Close Approach has unclear commercial terms, and TLE 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.