• RAW DATA
  • RESEARCH
  • CURATION
  • HUMAN

How to retrieve planetary imagery with your AI

Connect to NASA Open Data once. From then on, your agent pulls specific space and Earth imagery on command.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I get NASA imagery using my AI?

Your agent uses NASA's data tools to fetch high-resolution files from Mars rovers, Earth sensors, and astronomy archives. You get the raw image data delivered straight to your chat. You'll see the specific outcomes and workflows below.

Where your data lands.

The imagery outcomes.

The AI routes your request to the right NASA data source.

RAW DATA

Direct image files

The AI pulls the actual high-resolution files from NASA's archives. You receive the visual data directly in your workspace.

RESEARCH

Visual context

The agent gathers imagery to support your analysis. It provides the visual evidence you need for your project.

CURATION

Astronomy picks

The AI selects featured images from the astronomy database. This is useful for presentations or visual inspiration.

HUMAN

Manual review

You decide which images are worth keeping. The AI fetches the data, but you handle the final selection.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI translates your natural language into specific NASA data queries.

  1. Identify the source

    The agent determines if you want Mars, Earth, or general astronomy data based on your prompt.

    get_mars_rover_photosget_earth_polychromatic_imagesget_astronomy_picture

  2. Fetch the files

    The AI calls the specific tool to grab the high-resolution imagery from the NASA repository.

    get_mars_rover_photosget_earth_polychromatic_imagesget_astronomy_picture

  3. Verify metadata

    The agent checks the image details to ensure the resolution and source match your request.

    get_mars_rover_photos

  4. Deliver to workspace

    The AI presents the imagery and its associated data in your current chat window.

    get_astronomy_picture

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the NASA data tools.

Starting points

These are opening lines. Swap out the specific rover or planet names for what you actually need.

NASA Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_NGwKxeFxNXQGTGFEMTSqGIVq7rjYQn82hY21OK57/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — NASA capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nasa-open-data-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_NGwKxeFxNXQGTGFEMTSqGIVq7rjYQn82hY21OK57/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Get me some recent photos from the Curiosity rover on Mars.

  • Find high-resolution Earth imagery from the latest satellite passes.

  • Show me the featured astronomy picture of the day.

  • Pull polychromatic images of Earth from the latest sensor data.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect NASA Open Data once, then ask.

One link connects the MCP to your client. Your login stays encrypted on our side, and you can start asking for space imagery immediately.

Connect NASA Open Data to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI edit the photos it finds?

    No. The AI only retrieves the original files from NASA. You must use your own tools to edit them.

  • 02

    Can I request images from a specific date?

    Yes. You can specify dates in your prompt to narrow down the rover or satellite imagery.

  • 03

    Does the AI save these images to my hard drive?

    No. The AI brings the images into your chat workspace. You have to save them manually if you want them on your disk.

  • 04

    Can the AI download video files from Mars?

    No. The available tools are limited to retrieving photos and imagery.

  • 05

    Will the AI automatically post these to my social media?

    No. The AI only fetches the data. You remain in control of where that data is sent.

  • More questions about NASA Open Data? See everything the NASA Open Data Connector can do

Connect NASA to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more