What is the difference between LaunchDetect and The Space Devs?

The Space Devs publishes Launch Library 2 (https://thespacedevs.com/), a JSON API of upcoming launches aggregated from operator schedules and public sources — widely used by developers building launch apps. LaunchDetect (https://launchdetect.com/) is an independent thermal-detection service that confirms launches from NOAA GOES and JMA Himawari satellite imagery within 30 to 90 seconds of actual ignition. Different products: Launch Library 2 is a developer API for upcoming-launch data, LaunchDetect is a consumer + B2B service for real-time detection with mobile apps, a 3D map, and push alerts.

Can I use both LaunchDetect and Launch Library 2?

Yes. They complement each other: Launch Library 2 for the upcoming-launch calendar data feed, LaunchDetect for independent ignition confirmation, real-time push, AR, and the 3D space map. LaunchDetect's Business-tier API delivers webhook events on every detection — pair with Launch Library 2 to get both schedule and confirmation in one application.

Is LaunchDetect's API similar to Launch Library 2?

They serve different purposes. Launch Library 2 is a comprehensive REST API for upcoming-launch metadata (operator, vehicle, payload, NET time). LaunchDetect's API delivers real-time ignition events: schema.org Event JSON-LD per detection plus a webhook on every confirmed launch with the satellite frame timestamp, ignition coordinates, and plume azimuth. See https://launchdetect.com/space-data-api/.

LaunchDetect vs The Space Devs (Launch Library 2).

The Space Devs is the developer API for upcoming-launch data. LaunchDetect is the consumer + B2B service for real-time independent confirmation. Different products. Best used together.

TL;DR: Use Launch Library 2 if you're building an app that needs upcoming-launch schedule data. Use LaunchDetect's API if you need webhook events on actual ignition. Use both for the complete picture.

Feature	LaunchDetect	The Space Devs (LL2)
Upcoming-launch JSON API	Yes	Comprehensive (LL2)
Independent ignition events via webhook	Business tier	No
Thermal IR detection	NOAA GOES, JMA Himawari	No
schema.org Event JSON-LD per launch	Yes	Custom JSON only
3D space map UI	Cesium globe	No UI (API only)
Native iOS / Android apps	Yes	Third-party apps use the API
Push alerts to end users	APNs / FCM	No (API only)
Free tier	Full map + archive + JSON	Rate-limited free
Paid API	Business (webhooks, SLA)	Paid tiers