The NASA Headquarters Anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server is a repository for file sharing and transfer. It has the capability to transfer large files between Headquarters and any source/recipient within or outside of NASA Headquarters.

Downloading Files 

To download a file from the FTP server, use your FTP client software or go to ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/ .

To use an FTP client application:

1. Access the FTP client application.
2. Select the option to "connect."
3. Enter the following:
• Host Name: ftp.hq.nasa.gov
• User Name: anonymous
• Password: your e-mail address (e.g., eannahei@hq.nasa.gov).
4. Once you are connected, select the "pub" directory, then the directory with the file you want to download.
5. Download the file to the desired location on your workstation.
6. When the download is complete, close the FTP connection and exit the FTP client application. 

NOTE : Refer to the NASA Headquarters Desktop Baseline Product Suite document for the approved list of FTP clients.

Incoming Files Instructions 

If you have a file you would like to upload or transfer to another user, place it in ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/incoming/ (see instructions below). This directory is set up to allow uploads and disallow downloads. Once a file is placed into “incoming,” the individual placing the file should notify both the intended recipient and the FTP System Administrator.

NOTE : All transactions on the FTP server are logged and ALL postings in the "incoming" directory will be screened before being placed in a readable directory.

To place files on the FTP server :

1. Access the FTP client application.
2. Select the option to "connect".
3. Enter the following:
• Host Name: ftp.hq.nasa.gov
• User Name: anonymous
• Password: your e-mail address (i.e. user@hq.nasa.gov)
4. Once you are connected, select the "incoming" directory (note, this directory is "write" privileged only).
5. "Put" your file to this directory. You will NOT be able to see your file once the "put" is complete.
6. Close the FTP connection and exit the FTP client application.
7. Send e-mail to " ftp-admin@ftp.hq.nasa.gov " and in the body of the mail message state the following:
• Your name and the name of the file(s) you placed in "incoming".
• Where the files are to be placed on the local file system or whether it should be made available in the “shortterm” folder for others to download.
• The approximate longevity of the file(s) on this FTP server, (i.e., how long before the files are removed).