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Launch Library 2 vs Minor Planet Center

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

APILaunch Library 2NEW—Minor Planet CenterNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesno
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified (data derived from JPL/MPC)
Free tierFree — no key (The Space Devs LL2)Free — limits not published
Rate limitAnonymous requests are throttled to a low rate (see docs)Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Launch Library 2 vs Minor Planet Center: common questions

Which is more reliable, Launch Library 2 or Minor Planet Center?

On our scheduled checks, Minor Planet Center leads on measured uptime — Launch Library 2 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 Launch Library 2 and Minor Planet Center need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Launch Library 2 is callable with no signup, and Minor Planet Center is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Launch Library 2 and Minor Planet Center from the browser?

Only Launch Library 2 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 Launch Library 2 and Minor Planet Center free for commercial use?

Launch Library 2 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.