NASA’s Open Data Policy provides the foundation for the system’s distribution model: NASA is committed to the full and open sharing of Earth Science data obtained from U.S. Government-funded and -owned systems with all users as soon as such data become available. As a result, NASA’s Earth Observation data are typically not restricted in distribution whether the data are purchased or distributed for free. The SAXTA system will greatly extend access to and distribution of these data.

NASA's Open Data Policy specifically states: “NASA is committed to the full and open sharing of the Earth Science data obtained from U.S. Government-funded and -owned systems with all users as soon as such data become available. All Earth System Enterprise missions, projects, and grant proposals shall include data management plans to facilitate implementation of this principle.”