National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Planetary Science Data Centers

Planetary Data System (PDS)

The PDS archives and distributes scientific data from NASA planetary missions, astronomical observations, and laboratory measurements. Its purpose is to ensure the long-term usability of NASA data and to stimulate advanced research. PDS is continually upgrading and updating its archives, to better serve the needs of its user communities.

National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC)

The NSSDC communicates with active archives, and the active archives in turn communicate both with NSSDC and the scientists, educators and others who are end users of the data. In addition, numerous Project, Mission, and Principal Investigator (PI) web sites provide access to current data, some of which are not yet available through an active archive.

HORIZONS System

The JPL HORIZONS on-line solar system data and ephemeris computation service provides access to key solar system data and flexible production of highly accurate ephemerides for solar system objects ( 381106 asteroids, 2435 comets, 168 planetary satellites, 9 planets, the Sun, L1, L2, select spacecraft, and system barycenters ).

Regional Planetary Image Facilities (RPIF)

The Regional Planetary Image Facilities are an international system of planetary image libraries, established in 1977. They maintain photographic and digital data as well as mission documentation and cartographic data.