Asterank — Free Asteroid Database API (No Key)

TL;DR

Asterank provides detailed data on over 600,000 known asteroids in our solar system. Query by semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (i), and other orbital parameters. Each asteroid entry includes its mass, diameter, albedo, spectral type, and estimated mineral value. Filter by mining profitability, orbit type (NEO, MBA, etc.), or physical characteristics. JSON format, no API key. Invaluable for astronomy enthusiasts, educational projects, and space resource analysis.

Quick start: https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank?query={%22a%22:{%22$lt%22:2.5}}&limit=5

No API key needed — just make a request!

How to Use This API

1. Asteroids with Semi-Major Axis < 2.5 AU

https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank?query={"a":{"$lt":2.5}}&limit=5

2. JavaScript — Find Profitable Asteroids

fetch('https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank?query={"price":{"$gt":100000}}&limit=10')
  .then(r => r.json())
  .then(asteroids => {
    asteroids.forEach(a => {
      console.log(`${a.name} — Value: $${a.price.toLocaleString()}`);
      console.log(`  Mass: ${a.mass} kg, Diameter: ${a.diameter} km`);
      console.log(`  Type: ${a.spec}, Orbit: ${a.a} AU`);
    });
  });

3. Python — Near-Earth Asteroids Analysis

import requests

# Find NEOs with close approaches
query = '{"e":{"$lt":0.1},"a":{"$lt":1.5}}'
data = requests.get(
    'https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank',
    params={'query': query, 'limit': 20}
).json()

print(f"Found {len(data)} near-circular, inner asteroids:")
for a in data:
    print(f"  {a.get('name', 'Unknown')}: "
          f"a={a['a']:.3f} AU, e={a['e']:.4f}, "
          f"D={a.get('diameter', '?')} km")

Query low-orbit asteroids: https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank?query={"a":{"$lt":2.5}}&limit=5

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Frequently Asked Questions

What orbital parameters can I query?: Semi-major axis (a), eccentricity (e), inclination (i), ascending node (node), perihelion argument (arg), and mean anomaly (M). Supports MongoDB query operators ($gt, $lt, $gte, $lte).
What physical parameters are available?: Mass (kg), diameter (km), density (g/cm³), albedo, absolute magnitude (H), slope parameter (G), and spectral type (SMASS classification).
How is mining value calculated?: Estimated value considers mass, composition (metallic vs. stony), and current market prices for platinum-group metals, nickel, iron, and water.
What orbit classifications are included?: NEO (Near-Earth Objects), MBA (Main Belt Asteroids), PHAs (Potentially Hazardous Asteroids), Jupiter Trojans, and more. Filter by orbital parameters.
How many asteroids are in the database?: The Asterank database contains over 600,000 asteroids sourced from the JPL Small-Body Database and MPC (Minor Planet Center).
Is there a rate limit on queries?: Asterank is a free educational project. Reasonable query volumes are permitted. The API uses MongoDB-style query syntax with JSON payload.

API Details

API URL: https://www.asterank.com/api/asterank
Documentation: www.asterank.com/api
Category: Science
Authentication: Not Required
Geographic Coverage: Solar System

What You Can Build

3D solar system visualizer highlighting asteroid belt distribution
Space mining profitability calculator ranking asteroids by resource value
NEO tracker identifying asteroids with close Earth approaches
Astronomy education platform exploring asteroid physical characteristics
Orbital mechanics simulation comparing asteroid trajectories