DATA METHODOLOGY

DATA COLLECTION

Space Launch Live aggregates launch data from multiple authoritative sources to provide the most complete and accurate picture of every rocket launch worldwide. Our primary data source is Launch Library 2 (ll.thespacedevs.com), a community-maintained API that tracks launch schedules, rocket specifications, pad locations, mission details, and agency information.

We supplement this with data from the SpaceX API for detailed booster reuse history, the Spaceflight News API for news articles and blog coverage, Open-Meteo for real-time pad weather, and targeted scraping of YouTube and Spaceflight Now for webcast and video links.

UPDATE FREQUENCY

Our system polls data sources on two schedules:

• Normal mode (every 15 minutes) — All sources are checked regularly. Launch Library 2 and weather data update every 15 minutes. News and SpaceX data update every 30 minutes. Video sources update hourly.
• Fast mode (every 2 minutes) — When any launch is within 4 hours, polling accelerates automatically. Launch data refreshes every 2 minutes, SpaceX every 3 minutes, and news every 5 minutes. This ensures scrubs, holds, and GO decisions appear in near real-time.

The system detects imminent launches automatically and switches between modes without manual intervention.

VISIBILITY SCORING

Our 5-star visibility scoring system estimates whether you can see a rocket launch from your location. It considers four factors:

• Distance — How far you are from the launch pad. Launches are generally visible within 200–400 miles depending on conditions.
• Direction — The compass bearing from your location to the launch site, so you know where to look.
• Cloud cover — Current weather conditions at the launch site and along the viewing path, sourced from Open-Meteo forecasts.
• Time of day — Night and twilight launches are significantly more visible than daytime launches due to rocket exhaust illumination against dark skies. We calculate solar altitude at launch time.

Scores are approximate estimates — actual visibility depends on many factors including local terrain, atmospheric clarity, and light pollution. We recommend using our scoring as guidance, not a guarantee.

SOURCE CREDIBILITY SYSTEM

Our Daily Briefings include a credibility scoring system for cited sources. Each source is rated on a 1–100 scale across four tiers:

• Official (90–100) — Government agencies (NASA, ESA, ISRO) and launch providers (SpaceX, ULA, Rocket Lab) speaking about their own missions.
• Established (75–89) — Professional journalism outlets with editorial standards, fact-checking, and track records: SpaceNews, Spaceflight Now, Reuters, Ars Technica, BBC.
• Enthusiast (55–74) — Community sites, YouTube channels, and blogs with dedicated coverage but less formal editorial oversight.
• Unverified (below 55) — Sources not yet in our database. May still be accurate but we cannot verify their editorial processes.

Scoring factors include: editorial standards, organizational accountability, primary vs. secondary reporting, track record length, and independence.

ACCURACY & LIMITATIONS

While we strive for accuracy, launch data is inherently volatile. Schedules change frequently due to weather, technical issues, range conflicts, and policy decisions. We present data as reported by our sources and update it as quickly as new information becomes available.

Rocket specifications (height, mass, thrust, payload capacity) are sourced from Launch Library 2 and manufacturer publications. We standardize units (metric) and flag values that appear inconsistent, but cannot independently verify every specification.

If you notice an error, please report it via our Contact page.

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

Space Launch Live is an independent project. We have no affiliations with any launch provider, space agency, or defense contractor. All data sources used are free and publicly available. We do not accept payment for coverage or prioritize any provider over another.