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Minor Planet Center vs MotaWord API

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

APIMinor Planet CenterNEW—MotaWord APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSnoyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverified (data derived from JPL/MPC)Unverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Minor Planet Center vs MotaWord API: common questions

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

On our scheduled checks, MotaWord API leads on measured uptime — Minor Planet Center at —% versus MotaWord API 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 Minor Planet Center and MotaWord API need an API key?

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

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

Only MotaWord 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 Minor Planet Center and MotaWord API free for commercial use?

Minor Planet Center has unclear commercial terms, and MotaWord API 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.