Navigating the Global Space Data Landscape: A Visual Guide

A Visual Guide

As the space economy expands into a multi-trillion-dollar industry, access to high-quality, transparent data has become the cornerstone of innovation and regulation. The following list highlights a curated selection of infographics that map out the world’s most critical open data sources. From real-time Earth observation and climate monitoring to tracking orbital debris and ensuring flight safety, these visual resources provide a comprehensive overview of the platforms driving scientific discovery and commercial growth in the space sector.

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Earth Observation Open Data Sources (Overview)

This infographic serves as a high-level gateway to the major international agencies providing free Earth science data. It details the primary contributions of NASA, ESA, and the USGS, highlighting key missions like the Copernicus Sentinel program and the Landsat legacy.

The visual also categorizes data by its application, such as atmosphere, land, ocean, and cryosphere monitoring, helping users quickly identify the right source for their specific environmental or geospatial needs.

Digital Earth Australia (DEA)

This graphic illustrates Geoscience Australia’s platform, which uses the Open Data Cube to provide over 30 years of satellite imagery for the continent. It breaks down how the platform supports sustainable environmental management, a resilient society through emergency management, and a strong economy by aiding agriculture and mining.

The visual further details specific data products like land cover maps, water observation history, and coastline mapping, emphasizing its utility for government policy and industry efficiency.

Resource: https://www.dea.ga.gov.au/

Declassified Satellite Imagery (USGS)

Mapping the historical context of Earth observation, this infographic covers the declassification of Cold War-era reconnaissance programs like CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON. It explains the film-return process used by these early satellites and contrasts historical imagery with modern satellite views to show urban expansion and environmental change.

The visual highlights the scientific value of these archives for archaeology, climate change research (such as glacier retreat), and understanding long-term ecological impacts.

Resource: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

USGS EarthExplorer

This guide outlines the core workflow for accessing one of the world’s largest repositories of geospatial data. It visualizes the step-by-step process from account creation and defining a search area to filtering criteria and downloading data.

It also highlights key data collections available through the portal, including the Landsat legacy, aerial photography, and digital elevation models, making it an essential resource for researchers and land managers.

Resource: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

Earth on AWS

This infographic explains how cloud infrastructure is democratizing access to petabytes of Earth observation data. It showcases the partnership between Amazon Web Services and major data providers like NASA, NOAA, and USGS to host datasets such as Landsat, Sentinel-2, and weather models.

The visual details the workflow from data ingest to compute and analysis, emphasizing benefits like lower costs, scalability, and the ability to accelerate research in areas like disaster response and precision agriculture.

Resource: https://registry.opendata.aws/

NOAA CLASS (Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System)

This visual provides an overview of NOAA’s primary electronic library and long-term archive for environmental data. It maps the flow of data from polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites into the CLASS system for storage and stewardship.

It categorizes the vast content available, including atmospheric, oceanic, and space weather data, and illustrates its critical applications in weather forecasting, environmental management, and climate research.

Resource: https://www.class.noaa.gov/

NOAA Data Access Viewer (DAV)

Focused on coastal geospatial data, this infographic describes the web-based tool allowing users to customize and download high-resolution elevation, imagery, and land cover data. It details the types of data available, such as LIDAR point clouds and historical satellite imagery.

The graphic also outlines the four-step workflow for users: searching and defining an area, exploring datasets, customizing output formats and projections, and finally downloading the data package.

Resource: https://coast.noaa.gov/dataviewer/

Google Earth

Tracing the evolution of this iconic platform, the infographic highlights its history from the acquisition of Keyhole, Inc. to its current status as a planetary-scale tool. It showcases key features like 3D building models, Street View, and historical time-lapse imagery.

The visual also emphasizes its applications in the new space economy, including environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and the use of AI-driven insights for geospatial analytics.

Resource: https://earth.google.com/

INPE Image Catalog (Brazil)

This graphic introduces Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) portal, a key source for free satellite imagery of South America and beyond. It lists the satellite constellations supported, including the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) and Amazonia-1, alongside international missions like Landsat.

It explains the processing levels from raw data to analysis-ready products and highlights major applications in monitoring deforestation, agriculture, and environmental disasters.

Resource: https://www.dgi.inpe.br/catalogo/

NASA Earthdata Search

This visual guide explores NASA’s gateway to petabytes of Earth science data, covering the atmosphere, land, ocean, and cryosphere. It illustrates the user discovery journey, from searching by keyword and filtering by platform to visualizing data on global maps.

The infographic also details advanced features like cloud-native access, custom data subsetting, and GIS integration, underscoring its role in understanding Earth systems and supporting open science.

Resource: https://search.earthdata.nasa.gov/

Sentinel Hub

Focusing on cloud-based processing, this infographic describes how Sentinel Hub enables instant access to satellite imagery without the need for complex pre-processing. It highlights the platform’s ability to handle multi-source constellations, including Copernicus Sentinels and Landsat.

The visual outlines user-facing tools like the EO Browser and various APIs, showing how they power solutions in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

Resource: https://www.sentinel-hub.com/

EODMS: Earth Observation Data Management System (Canada)

This graphic presents Canada’s official gateway to satellite imagery and aerial photography, operated by Natural Resources Canada. It details the data pipeline from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and historical archives to the public and vetted users.

It highlights the system’s importance for maritime surveillance, disaster management, and resource management, while also showcasing developer tools like REST APIs and cloud-optimized formats.

Resource: https://www.eodms-sgdot.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/

NOAA OneStop

This infographic introduces NOAA’s centralized platform designed to improve the discovery of its vast environmental data holdings. It illustrates the scope of data covered, including weather, climate, oceans, and fisheries, and highlights the search and robust filtering capabilities.

The visual emphasizes features like direct download options, cloud-ready APIs, and the platform’s focus on serving a diverse user base from government to academia.

Resource: https://data.noaa.gov/onestop/

USGS Landsat Data Access

Dedicated to the longest continuous global record of Earth’s land surface, this visual outlines the various portals for accessing Landsat data. It contrasts traditional download methods via EarthExplorer with modern cloud-based access on AWS and the use of STAC APIs.

It also explains the hierarchy of data products, from Level-1 calibrated data to Level-3 science products, and lists supporting tools like the acquisition calendar and spectral viewers.

Resource: https://www.usgs.gov/landsat-missions/landsat-data-access

NASA Earth Science Data Catalog

This comprehensive graphic visualizes the scale of NASA’s Earth science data, which encompasses over 128 petabytes of information. It categorizes the data into topics like biosphere, cryosphere, and human dimensions, and lists the diverse platforms used for collection, from satellites to airborne sensors.

The infographic also explains the data processing levels from raw instrument data to model outputs and highlights open science principles that promote transparency and collaboration.

Resource: https://search.earthdata.nasa.gov/search

NASA Space Station Research Explorer

This visual acts as a portal to the research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). It categorizes the experiments into fields such as biology, human research, physical science, and technology development.

The infographic details the facilities onboard, such as the Cold Atom Lab and plant growth habitats, and outlines the benefits of this research for Earth, future space exploration, and scientific knowledge.

Resource: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/

The General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (GCAT)

This infographic provides a structural overview of Jonathan McDowell’s comprehensive database, which logs every known human-made object launched into space. It distinguishes GCAT from other catalogs by its inclusion of debris, failed launches, and objects not tracked by radar.

The visual breaks down the database structure, including the standard and auxiliary catalogs, and details the metadata fields and classification schemes used to track object histories and phases.

Resource: https://planet4589.org/space/gcat/

Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem

This graphic introduces the open portal for accessing the vast data collections of Europe’s Copernicus program. It illustrates the features of the Copernicus Browser, such as 3D exploration and timelapse viewing, and lists the Sentinel missions and contributing datasets available.

It also highlights the ecosystem’s programmatic access capabilities, including APIs and cloud-based processing tools like JupyterLab, which facilitate seamless integration into geospatial workflows.

Resource: https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/

ESA Earth Online Data Gateway

This visual guides users through ESA’s main access point for Earth observation data. It categorizes the discovery process by mission type, including Earth Explorers and Third Party Missions, and by data themes like climate and oceans.

The infographic outlines the various access tools available, from direct downloads to cloud access and toolboxes, and emphasizes the support provided to the user community to foster scientific research and innovation.

Resource: https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/

NASA Open Data on AWS

This infographic details the collaboration between NASA and AWS to share high-value science datasets. It highlights key datasets available in the cloud, such as NEX-GDDP climate projections and MUR sea surface temperature data, across domains like biology and heliophysics.

The visual explains the benefits of this approach, including faster time to insight and lower costs, and provides a roadmap for how researchers and developers can access and analyze this data using cloud services.

Resource: https://registry.opendata.aws/collab/nasa/

STScI on the Registry of Open Data on AWS

Focusing on astrophysical data, this graphic showcases how the Space Telescope Science Institute provides cloud access to missions like Hubble and James Webb. It describes the “cloud-native astronomy workflow” that allows for query, compute, and analysis directly on the data.

The visual highlights the democratizing effect of this open data, lowering barriers to entry for researchers worldwide and accelerating scientific discovery through community collaboration.

Resource: https://registry.opendata.aws/collab/stsci/

data.nasa.gov

This visual introduces NASA’s central clearinghouse for open data, which aggregates metadata across all scientific disciplines. It illustrates the diversity of the data universe, covering Earth science, space science, and aeronautics, and the various formats available for download.

The infographic also depicts the open data ecosystem, showing how this portal feeds into broader government platforms and serves a wide audience from researchers and developers to the general public.

Resource: https://data.nasa.gov/

ITU-R Space Services Department (SSD)

This infographic outlines the role of the ITU in managing the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. It explains the core mission of preventing harmful interference and the procedures for recording frequency assignments in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR).

The visual also details the tools and publications provided by the department, such as the BR IFIC, and the assistance offered to administrations in resolving interference disputes.

Resource: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/

ITU-R Master International Frequency Register (MIFR)

Specifically focused on terrestrial broadcasting, this graphic explains the purpose and structure of the MIFR database. It details the notification process for member states, from submission to validation and recording by the Radiocommunication Bureau.

The visual highlights the benefits of international recognition and interference protection, and lists the regional plans and agreements that govern broadcasting services in different frequency bands.

Resource: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/Pages/MIFR.aspx

CNEOS: Center for Near-Earth Object Studies

This infographic presents statistics and monitoring data on Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). It visualizes the discovery progress of asteroids and comets over time, distinguishing between different size classes and survey programs like Pan-STARRS and Catalina Sky Survey.

It also explains the risk assessment systems, including the Torino and Palermo scales, and provides context on planetary defense strategies like kinetic impactors for hazardous objects.

Resource: https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/

NASA Exoplanet Catalog

This visual guide explores the continuously updated encyclopedia of worlds beyond our solar system. It categorizes the confirmed exoplanets into types such as terrestrial, gas giants, and super-Earths, and explains the primary discovery methods like transit and radial velocity.

The infographic also defines the concept of the habitable zone and highlights the catalog’s interactive features, including 3D models that allow users to visualize these distant systems.

Resource: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/

ESA’s DISCOSweb

This graphic introduces ESA’s reference database for space debris and trackable objects. It details the core data stored, including launch information, orbital histories, and physical properties of objects ranging from operational satellites to fragmentation debris.

The visual explains the functionalities of the web interface and API, emphasizing the database’s critical role in collision avoidance, re-entry analysis, and long-term space debris research.

Resource: https://discosweb.esoc.esa.int/

CEOS Missions, Instruments, and Measurements (MIM) Database

This infographic outlines the official database of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS). It illustrates the interconnections between missions, instruments, and geophysical measurements, helping users navigate the complex landscape of global Earth observation.

The visual highlights specialized portals for greenhouse gas monitoring and the database’s role in supporting climate policy by tracking essential climate variables and identifying observation gaps.

Resource: http://database.eohandbook.com/

Space-Track.org

This visual presents the global hub for space situational awareness, managed by the 18th Space Defense Squadron. It maps the flow of data from the global sensor network to the core database, which tracks over 10,000 man-made objects.

The infographic details the available data products, such as Two-Line Element sets (TLEs) and satellite catalogs, and explains the critical services provided, including conjunction assessment and re-entry prediction.

Resource: https://www.space-track.org/

UNOOSA Online Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space

This infographic describes the UN register designed to promote transparency and safety in space activities. It explains the data flow from launching states to the United Nations, covering satellites, probes, and crewed spacecraft.

The visual highlights the history of registration since the Outer Space Treaty and emphasizes the index’s importance for space traffic management, policy making, and maintaining a public record of global space operations.

Resource: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/spaceobjectregister/index.html

WMO OSCAR/Space

This graphic illustrates the tool used to analyze the capabilities of global observing systems against user requirements. It contrasts “what we need” (requirements) with “what we have” (satellite capabilities) to identify gaps in data for weather, climate, and water services.

The visual details the database features, such as filtering by instrument type and spectral domain, and underscores its value for optimizing future satellite missions and supporting disaster risk reduction.

Resource: https://space.oscar.wmo.int/

CelesTrak.org

This infographic introduces the non-profit organization dedicated to making orbital data freely available. It lists the core data sets provided, including active satellite catalogs and debris lists, and highlights specialized services like SOCRATES for collision avoidance.

The visual emphasizes CelesTrak’s role in serving a global community of operators, researchers, and enthusiasts, empowering them to monitor and understand the increasingly crowded space environment.

Resource: https://celestrak.org/

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Satellite Database

This visual provides a statistical overview of the operational satellite population. It breaks down the data by country of origin, ownership sector (commercial vs. government), and orbit type (LEO, MEO, GEO).

The infographic tracks the rapid growth of mega-constellations like Starlink and highlights the primary purposes of satellites, from communications and Earth observation to navigation and technology development.

Resource: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database