OpenAlex vs Satellite Passes
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
OpenAlex vs Satellite Passes: common questions
Which is more reliable, OpenAlex or Satellite Passes?
On our scheduled checks, Satellite Passes leads on measured uptime — OpenAlex at 1.0% versus Satellite Passes at 99.02% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, OpenAlex or Satellite Passes?
Satellite Passes has the lower median latency in our checks — OpenAlex responds in 3167 ms versus Satellite Passes at 976 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.
Do OpenAlex and Satellite Passes need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — OpenAlex is callable with no signup, and Satellite Passes is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call OpenAlex and Satellite Passes from the browser?
Yes — both OpenAlex and Satellite Passes send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are OpenAlex and Satellite Passes free for commercial use?
OpenAlex allows commercial use on its free tier, and Satellite Passes 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.