# Tool API Documentation
## Overview
The MCP TypeScript NASA Server provides 5 tools for accessing NASA's public APIs. Each tool returns formatted markdown text for optimal display in AI assistants.
## Tools
### 1. `nasa_apod` - Astronomy Picture of the Day
Fetches NASA's daily featured astronomy image or video with detailed scientific explanation.
#### Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `date` | string | No | Date in YYYY-MM-DD format. Defaults to today. |
#### Response Format
Returns markdown containing:
- Title and date
- Copyright information (if applicable)
- Detailed scientific explanation
- Image URLs (standard and HD)
- Video URL (if media type is video)
#### Example Usage
```json
{
"tool": "nasa_apod",
"arguments": {
"date": "2024-01-01"
}
}
```
#### Sample Response
```markdown
# Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula
**Date:** 2024-01-01
**Copyright:** NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
## Explanation
What looks like craggy mountains on a moonlit evening...
## Image
- **Standard Resolution:** https://apod.nasa.gov/...
- **High Resolution:** https://apod.nasa.gov/...
```
---
### 2. `nasa_mars_rover_photos` - Mars Rover Photography
Retrieves photos from Mars rovers with filtering options.
#### Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `rover` | string | Yes | Rover name: "curiosity", "opportunity", "spirit", "perseverance" |
| `sol` | number | No | Martian day (sol) to get photos from |
| `earth_date` | string | No | Earth date in YYYY-MM-DD format |
| `camera` | string | No | Camera code (e.g., FHAZ, RHAZ, NAVCAM) |
| `limit` | number | No | Max photos to return (1-25, default: 5) |
#### Camera Codes
- `FHAZ` - Front Hazard Avoidance Camera
- `RHAZ` - Rear Hazard Avoidance Camera
- `MAST` - Mast Camera
- `CHEMCAM` - Chemistry and Camera Complex
- `MAHLI` - Mars Hand Lens Imager
- `MARDI` - Mars Descent Imager
- `NAVCAM` - Navigation Camera
#### Example Usage
```json
{
"tool": "nasa_mars_rover_photos",
"arguments": {
"rover": "perseverance",
"sol": 1000,
"camera": "NAVCAM",
"limit": 3
}
}
```
---
### 3. `nasa_neo_feed` - Near Earth Objects
Tracks asteroids and comets passing near Earth within a date range.
#### Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `start_date` | string | No | Start date in YYYY-MM-DD format (default: today) |
| `end_date` | string | No | End date in YYYY-MM-DD format (default: 7 days from start) |
#### Response Format
Returns markdown containing:
- Date range and total object count
- Daily breakdown of NEOs
- For each object:
- Name and ID
- Size estimates
- Velocity and miss distance
- Hazard status (marked with ⚠️ if potentially hazardous)
- Summary statistics
#### Example Usage
```json
{
"tool": "nasa_neo_feed",
"arguments": {
"start_date": "2024-08-01",
"end_date": "2024-08-07"
}
}
```
---
### 4. `nasa_donki_space_weather` - Space Weather Events
Monitors solar and space weather phenomena from the DONKI database.
#### Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `event_type` | string | No | Event type code (default: "FLR") |
| `start_date` | string | No | Start date in YYYY-MM-DD format |
| `end_date` | string | No | End date in YYYY-MM-DD format |
#### Event Types
- `FLR` - Solar Flare
- `SEP` - Solar Energetic Particle
- `CME` - Coronal Mass Ejection
- `IPS` - Interplanetary Shock
- `MPC` - Magnetopause Crossing
- `GST` - Geomagnetic Storm
- `RBE` - Radiation Belt Enhancement
#### Response Format
Returns markdown containing:
- Event type and date range
- Total event count
- For each event:
- Timing (begin, peak, end)
- Classification/intensity
- Source location
- Instruments used
- Additional details
#### Example Usage
```json
{
"tool": "nasa_donki_space_weather",
"arguments": {
"event_type": "FLR",
"start_date": "2024-08-01",
"end_date": "2024-08-31"
}
}
```
---
### 5. `nasa_epic_earth_imagery` - Earth Polychromatic Imaging
Provides full-disc Earth images from the DSCOVR satellite.
#### Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `image_type` | string | No | "natural" or "enhanced" (default: "natural") |
| `date` | string | No | Date in YYYY-MM-DD format |
| `limit` | number | No | Max images to return (1-20, default: 5) |
#### Response Format
Returns markdown containing:
- Image type and count
- For each image:
- Date and time
- Earth center coordinates
- DSCOVR distance from Earth
- Direct image URL
- Information about the EPIC camera
#### Example Usage
```json
{
"tool": "nasa_epic_earth_imagery",
"arguments": {
"image_type": "enhanced",
"date": "2024-08-01",
"limit": 3
}
}
```
## Error Handling
All tools implement consistent error handling:
### Common Errors
1. **Invalid Parameters**: Returns clear error message about which parameter is invalid
2. **API Rate Limiting**: Indicates rate limit exceeded (use API key for higher limits)
3. **No Data Found**: Returns user-friendly message when no data matches criteria
4. **Network Errors**: Reports connection issues with NASA APIs
### Error Response Format
```markdown
Failed to fetch [resource]: [specific error message]
```
## Rate Limits
| API Key Type | Requests per Hour |
|--------------|-------------------|
| DEMO_KEY | 30 |
| Registered Key | 1000 |
## Best Practices
1. **Use specific dates** when possible to reduce response size
2. **Set reasonable limits** to avoid overwhelming responses
3. **Handle no-data scenarios** gracefully in your application
4. **Cache responses** when appropriate to reduce API calls
5. **Use your own API key** for production applications
