Requirements for the database.
The database must have the following properties: it should contain all satellite observations ever made in the world, be accessible to any interested person, have standard and yet flexible format, and expand constantly as new observations appear.

Entering and Formating Data.
Data were taken so that all numerical values be transferred from publications or primary sources into the database without any modifications, since all possible subsequent reductions of observations would have been ambiguous because they depend on the current models of celestial coordinates and time scales. On the other hand, it should be clear to the user of the database which standards were applied by the observer when the results were published. Such an approach lead to the fact that each set of observations of planetary satellites that were entered into the database consists of two files. The first file ("content") contains description of the observational results (observed satellites, adopted coordinate system and time scale, observatory name and code, telescope parameters, data format, etc.). The second file ("data") contains numerical values and is intended for reading by calculating programs. The division of data into several sets is determined simply by the data source and by the order in which they went into the database. In the file "content" with explications, the reference is given to the data source as well as the bibliographic reference. This reference is provided with a hyperlink which may be used to call the corresponding reference from the bibliographic database. From there, it is possible to pass this reference to the ADS Abstract Service bibliographic database where the electronic version of the publication is accessible.

Data sources.
Observations are taken from different sources, from both printed publications (scientific journals) and electronic publications. Some files are obtained directly from observers. A search for observations was also made in difficult to access publications, for example in Scientific papers deposited in ALL-RUSSIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION. Data are also taken regularly in electronic form from the Minor Planet Electronic Circulars (MPEC). Some observations are received as mails from the Minor Planet Center (MPC).

Creation of the bibliographic database.
In 1996, decision has been taken in IMCCE to create the bibliographic database for studies on natural planetary satellites. For this scientific field a special system of keywords has been developed. Since that time, as a result of cooperation between IMCCE and the Sternberg Astronomical Institute (SAI), the bibliography is being constantly enriched. By now more than 3,000 references on theories of motion, astrometry and observations and more than 6,000 references on physics of planetary satellites have been collected.

Access facilities.
To provide easy access to the bibliographic database through Internet, a special program has been elaborated in SAI. Formulation of inquiry is made using a large number of options. Due to user-friendly interface of the program, user rapidly gets necessary information. Output of unnecessary references is minimized.