Open source software from NASA released

NASA recently released its latest open Software Catalog, featuring over 1,200 downloadable software codes developed by agency engineers. These tools are designed to accelerate solutions that support the space economy and stimulate innovation across industries. The catalog is part of NASA’s broader effort to place advanced technologies — including software, into the hands of businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs to foster economic growth and technological advancement.

Photo credit: NASA

Latest info about the open source software from NASA released 2025-2026 edition

NASA developers are set to provide further details about the Software Catalog during the agency’s summer software webinar series, which begins Tuesday, July 22. This catalog is currently the only federal government repository of its kind.

Dan Lockney, program executive for Technology Transfer at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasized the importance of sharing NASA’s software innovations. He explained that NASA’s experts develop software to automate aspects of the agency’s missions, which increases efficiency and benefits the public. When these software tools are made accessible to companies, they help businesses save time and resources, improve commercial offerings, and grow their operations.

The 2025-2026 Software Catalog is organized into 15 categories, catering to organizations working with spacecraft and aircraft, among others. For example, the Vehicle Management section offers a tool for designing satellite constellations and a software library aimed at reducing public safety risks related to expendable launch vehicles. The Aeronautics section contains widely used programs for creating, modifying, and analyzing aircraft designs.

While each category focuses on a specific theme, NASA notes that the software can serve a broad range of innovators. For example, some aeronautics programs originally written for aircraft design have been adapted by companies to design cars, trucks, and other products. The Business Systems and Project Management section includes software for estimating project costs, building and evaluating complex schedules, and identifying the root causes of mishaps. Other popular offerings include 3D rendering tools for simulation and virtual reality, highly accurate GPS tracking systems, and software for analyzing electrical power system architectures.

NASA first launched its Software Catalog in 2013. Since then, software download rates have soared, with up to 5,722 downloads recorded in a single year. The catalog is managed by NASA’s Technology Transfer program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate, and the agency continually enhances the catalog’s website to ensure a fast and user-friendly experience. Some software tools have access restrictions, limiting them to U.S. citizens or government use only.

As part of this year’s release, four live webinars will feature developers of popular NASA programs covering mission planning, systems design, propulsion analysis, and more. Each session will include a presentation followed by a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with NASA experts.

The catalog and webinar series together highlight NASA’s commitment to sharing technological advancements with the public and helping drive commercial innovation across industries.