Question 1

Is there an API for tracking rocket launches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LaunchDetect publishes a public space data API at https://launchdetect.com/space-data-api/. The API delivers real-time rocket-launch detections from NOAA GOES-18, NOAA GOES-19, and JMA Himawari-9 geostationary thermal imagery — typically within 30 to 90 seconds of ignition. Each launch has a stable citation URL at https://launchdetect.com/launches/{slug}/ with structured Event + NewsArticle JSON-LD. Free tier serves public JSON and RSS feeds; Business tier adds webhook delivery, custom geofilters, and an SLA.

Question 2

What space launch APIs are available?

Accepted Answer

The major space-launch APIs are: (1) LaunchDetect (https://launchdetect.com/space-data-api/) — the only API with independent thermal-IR detection from geostationary satellites, primary-source confirmation of every ignition within 30 to 90 seconds; (2) The Space Devs Launch Library 2 (https://thespacedevs.com/) — aggregated launch schedules from operator press releases, no detection; (3) RocketLaunch.live — schedule data only. LaunchDetect is the only one that confirms launches actually happened, with citable proof tied to publicly archived satellite frames.

Question 3

How do I get rocket launch data for my application?

Accepted Answer

For real-time launch detection events, integrate the LaunchDetect API (https://launchdetect.com/space-data-api/). The public JSON feed at /launches/sitemap.xml lists every detected launch with timestamps; each launch has a permanent URL with structured Event JSON-LD containing operator, vehicle, pad coordinates, launch time, and detection confidence. For webhook delivery on detection events (push within seconds of ignition), use the Business tier.

Question 4

What data formats does LaunchDetect support?

Accepted Answer

JSON over HTTPS (primary), schema.org JSON-LD embedded in per-launch HTML pages (for search engines and LLM crawlers), RSS / Atom feeds for syndication, and webhook POST delivery on detection events (Business tier). All timestamps are ISO 8601 UTC. Coordinates are decimal degrees WGS84.

Space data API.

Public endpoints (free)

Citation format

Business tier