Updated October 5, 2026
Cookies and local storage
Explore uses a small number of local preferences. It does not load advertising or analytics cookies.
What Explore stores
| Item | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ld-public-theme (local storage) | The color theme you select | Until you clear it |
| ld-public-palette (local storage) | The color palette you select | Until you clear it |
| ld-public-language (local storage) | The interface language you select | Until you clear it |
| ld-public-privacy-v1 (local storage) | Your basic or detailed imagery choice; no visitor ID | Until you change the choice or clear site data |
| ld-public-intro-v1 (local storage) | Remembers that the introduction has been shown; no visitor ID | Until you clear it |
| ld-public-coffee-visit-v2 (session storage) | Visible browsing time and whether the optional reminder has appeared | This browser-tab session |
Your choice is saved only on this device. Blocking browser storage is supported: the globe remains usable, but preferences may not survive a reload. You can clear site data through your browser settings.
Map imagery choice
Detailed Esri map imagery loads automatically unless you previously selected the basic Earth image. Our hosted NASA Blue Marble image remains available as a fallback. Turning on the night layer enables NASA imagery requests. Providers receive normal connection information including IP address and requested map tiles, and may process it under their own privacy policies.
The basic and detailed imagery choices have equal prominence. Choosing basic keeps the public launch record, EEZ layer, thermal replay, and spacecraft features available. It removes external imagery layers and prevents further requests from them; requests already in progress or already received cannot be undone.
Links and other parts of the service
The header Buy Me a Coffee link opens a separate website. After five minutes of visible browsing, Explore loads Buy Me a Coffee's widget; selecting it opens the payment experience in an embedded frame. Buy Me a Coffee handles its own payment choices and privacy practices. Approved-user sign-in and workspace features use separate authentication cookies or storage to maintain access. This policy's six-item table describes Explore, not every legacy mobile or account feature.
Read the privacy policy or contact ops@launchdetect.com.