NAS Download Instructions
To download NAS-developed software, follow the steps listed here. Read all instructions before proceeding.
Step 1: Review
Review the list of Software Descriptions available for download.
Step 2: Select
Begin your request by selecting which software title you want to download in the online Software Request Form. Check the boxes for the packages you are requesting and click the NEXT button.
When you select packages registered through the Ames Commercial Technology Office, you will automatically be presented with a Non-Disclosure Form (ARC 751). Print this form out, complete and sign it, then return it for approval to the address shown on the form. This form is provided as a PDF file when you submit the Software Request Form.
For other restricted software, you will automatically get a different Software Request Agreement Form that you must sign and either fax or mail back to NAS.
Note that if you are resuming a previous request, skip to Step 4.
Step 3: Register
If this is the first time you're downloading NAS software, fill out the registration information including your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. You will also be asked to choose a password. Registration information is for internal use only (see our Privacy Policy).
If you've registered on this site previously, you will need only to enter your e-mail address and password.
Step 4: Log In
If you have completed your registration, you can log in by providing your e-mail address and password. You will be given the status of your requests. If you have requested restricted software, go to Step 5. If you have requested unrestricted software or have already been granted permission to download restricted software, go to Step 6.
Step 5: Authorization
For restricted software, you will have to sign and return one of two forms.
When you select packages registered through the Ames Commercial Technology Office, you will automatically be presented with a Non-Disclosure Form (ARC 751). Print this form out, complete and sign it, then return it for approval to the address shown on the form. This form is provided as a PDF file when you submit the Software Request Form.
For other restricted software, you will automatically get a different Software Request Agreement Form that you must sign and either fax or mail back to NAS.
In either case, you will receive notification via e-mail stating approval status. On the rare occasion a request is disapproved, you will receive e-mail explaining why the request was disapproved from one of the administrators. Once any issues are resolved, the request status may be changed from disapproved to approved.
Step 6: Download
Approved software that you can download will be listed with links when you log in. Click on the links to download. In some cases, a page with the usage agreement for the software and a link to the software will appear. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to accept the agreement terms.
For restricted requests, you have 7 days from the time of approval to download the software without the need to re-register. For unrestricted software, you have 7 days from the time of the request.
The format of all archives is the binary or text archive itself, tarred and gzipped.
If you encounter errors not related to the form input, please assist us in correcting these errors by reporting them. Use the e-mail link shown on the browser screen or send mail to cgi-alert@nas.nasa.gov.
Open Source Software
Open Source for NASA means enhanced software quality through community review and development, enhanced collaboration through sharing of NASA-originated software, and more efficient and effective dissemination of research products (such as software) to the public.
As part of the effort to create an Open Source option, NASA formed a cross-agency legal team - this team created the NASA Open Source Agreement (NOSA) for Open Source releases.
NOSA is endorsed by the Open Source Initiative, and is the chief overseer of NASA's Open Source definitions and usage agreements.
Open Source Resources
The following is a list of relevant resources on NASA Open Source:
Developing An Open Source Option for NASA Software (PDF version 209KB)
This NAS technical report provides background material on why an Open Source option is appropriate for NASA.
NASA Space Act (NASA Charter)
The NASA charter: the agency shall "provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof."
