Satellite Tracking APIs
Satellite tracking APIs center on two-line element sets, the orbital data used to work out where a satellite is. CelesTrak and TLE serve NORAD element sets for free with no key, and OrbitalWiki merges them with operator and launch details. For a ready answer instead of raw orbits, the Satellite Passes API predicts when a satellite such as the ISS will pass overhead.
| API | Pricing | Auth | Format | Free tier | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CelesTrakSatellite orbital element sets (TLE/OMM) and catalog data for tracking objects in space. Health & Science › NASA & Space | Free | None | JSON | Unlimited | Live |
OrbitalWikiSatellite orbital data — TLE elements, operator, launch info — merged from CelesTrak, GCAT, and Wikidata. Health & Science › NASA & Space | Freemium | API key | JSON | 1k–10k/day | Live |
Satellite Passes APIPredicted next visible passes of a satellite (e.g. the ISS) above your latitude/longitude. Health & Science › NASA & Space | Free | None | JSON | Unlimited | Live |
TLEUp-to-date NORAD two-line element sets for satellites, queryable by satellite ID. Health & Science › NASA & Space | Free | None | JSON | Unlimited | Live |
CelesTrakFreeLive
Satellite orbital element sets (TLE/OMM) and catalog data for tracking objects in space.
None · JSON
Unlimited
no machine-readable spec
OrbitalWikiFreemiumLive
Satellite orbital data — TLE elements, operator, launch info — merged from CelesTrak, GCAT, and Wikidata.
API key · JSON
1k–10k/day
OpenAPI spec · llms.txt
Satellite Passes APIFreeLive
Predicted next visible passes of a satellite (e.g. the ISS) above your latitude/longitude.
None · JSON
Unlimited
OpenAPI spec
TLEFreeLive
Up-to-date NORAD two-line element sets for satellites, queryable by satellite ID.
None · JSON
Unlimited
no machine-readable spec
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Choosing a Satellite Tracking API
Is there a free Satellite Tracking API?
Yes. CelesTrak, Satellite Passes API and TLE are free to use, and OrbitalWiki has a free tier alongside paid plans.
Which Satellite Tracking APIs work without an API key?
CelesTrak, Satellite Passes API and TLE need no key or sign-up, so you can try them with a plain request.
Can I call a Satellite Tracking API from front-end JavaScript?
CelesTrak, Satellite Passes API and TLE allow cross-origin requests and need no key, so they work straight from the browser. For the others, call them from your server so your key stays private.
Can I use Satellite Tracking APIs in a commercial project?
CelesTrak permits commercial use. OrbitalWiki restricts it, for example to non-commercial or attributed use, so read the terms first.
Which Satellite Tracking APIs work with AI agents?
Satellite Passes API and OrbitalWiki publish an OpenAPI spec for generating clients and tools.
Broader: NASA & Space APIs · Health & Science APIs