Space Launch Notifications

This is a Python script I run to send myself email notification reminders a day before and an hour before SpaceX and NASA launches. It pulls upcoming launch data from the Launch Library 2 API.

That API is built by The Space Devs, a group of space-enthusiast developers working to make launch information accessible to everyone. In the future, I plan to add additional launch service providers. Right now, SpaceX by far does the most. NASA has exciting launches too; their next big one is Artemis III, scheduled for 2027.

For even more accurate, real-time, up-to-date information on SpaceX launches — and where to watch — check SpaceX's launch page. For NASA's schedule, visit NASA's launch schedule; for each event you can see who they've contracted with as the launch provider.

The script runs inside a Python virtual environment on a Mac I keep powered on. A launchd Launch Agent (com.torischuyler.launchalerts) starts it at login, keeps it alive if it crashes, and wraps it with caffeinate -i so the system does not idle-sleep while the alert loop is running.

And because why not: here's a throwback to this personalized Magical Journeys “Victoria” tape cassette I had as a kid, a song about riding on a space shuttle. Childhood nostalgia unlocked. Skip to 6:58–10:42 in the video to hear the space shuttle song.