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Claude Desktop can query your AstroBee data layers, run SQL, and generate insights. All in natural language

We’ve all been there: you’re chatting with Claude and wish you could just ask about your business data without switching apps. With AstroBee’s MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration, Claude Desktop can directly access your data layers, run queries, and generate insights. All in a natural conversation. This tutorial shows you how to connect Claude Desktop to your AstroBee account in about 5 minutes.

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What you’ll get

Once connected, Claude can:
  • Browse your data layers and explore their structure
  • Run SQL queries against your data
  • Generate charts and visualizations
  • Discover hidden relationships across your data sources
For editing data layers, use the AstroBee web interface rather than MCP tools. The web interface provides optimized workflows that prevent token overhead and maintain data layer consistency. If you have a specific use case that requires programmatic data layer modifications, contact us at [email protected].

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Prerequisites

Before you begin:
  1. AstroBee account with data: Complete the quickstart to set up your account and create the demo data layer. This gives Claude something to explore.
  2. Claude Desktop app: Download and install Claude Desktop (available for Mac and Windows). You’ll need a Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise plan subscription to use custom connectors.
The remote MCP integration works with Claude Desktop and the web version of Claude.

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Connect Claude Desktop

1

Open connector settings

In Claude Desktop, click your profile icon in the bottom left, then navigate to Settings → Connectors.
Claude Desktop connectors settings with Add custom connector dialog
Click Add custom connector to open the configuration dialog.
2

Add AstroBee MCP server

In the connector dialog:
  1. Name: Enter a descriptive name like astrobee or astrobee mcp
  2. Remote MCP server URL: Enter the AstroBee MCP endpoint: 
    https://agent.production.bumblebee.kurtosis.io/mcp
Click Add to save the connector.
AstroBee MCP connector information
You’ll see your AstroBee connector appear in the list with a CUSTOM badge.
AstroBee MCP connector added to the connectors list
3

Authorize the connection

Click the Connect button next to your AstroBee connector. This opens your browser with an authorization screen. Select the Google account associated with your AstroBee account and sign in.
AstroBee authorization screen showing Claude requesting access
Claude is asking for permission to access your AstroBee account. Click Accept to authorize the connection.After authorization, you’ll be redirected back to Claude Desktop automatically.
4

Verify the connection

Back in Settings → Connectors, you should see all 12 AstroBee MCP tools listed under your connector:
List of available AstroBee MCP tools including list-ontologies, execute-sql, and more
If you see tools like list-ontologies, execute-sql, and list-entities, you’re all set!

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Start exploring your data

Close the settings and start a new chat. Try asking Claude about your data: 
Show me my data layers in AstroBee

What entities are in my Demo Business Model?

Show me the top 10 customers by order count

Create a bar chart of sales by region
Claude will use the AstroBee MCP tools to fetch your data and answer your questions.
Claude using list-ontologies tool to show available data layers

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How it works

When you ask a question, Claude:
  1. Uses list-ontologies to see your available data layers
  2. Uses list-entities and list-relationships to understand the data structure
  3. Uses execute-sql to query your data
  4. Formats the results and generates visualizations
All of this happens in the conversation. You don’t need to write any SQL or switch between applications. Now that Claude has access to AstroBee, you can explore your data conversationally, run complex queries, build and modify data layers, and discover hidden patterns.

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Troubleshooting

If you see this error in Claude Desktop:
  • Check that you’re logged into your AstroBee account at app.astrobee.ai
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the connector in Settings → Connectors
  • Make sure you clicked Accept on the authorization screen when prompted
  • Verify you’re using the correct MCP server URL: https://agent.production.bumblebee.kurtosis.io/mcp
If the tools list remains empty after authorization:
  • Close and completely restart Claude Desktop (not just refresh)
  • Navigate to Settings → Connectors and verify the connector shows as connected
  • Check that your Claude subscription includes custom connectors (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise)
  • Try removing and re-adding the connector if the issue persists
If Claude reports that you don’t have any data layers:
  • Complete the quickstart to create the demo data layer first
  • Verify you can see your data layer at app.astrobee.ai
  • Make sure you’re using the same AstroBee account in both Claude Desktop and the web app
  • Check that your data layer has completed generation and is not in a pending state
If clicking Connect doesn’t open your browser:
  • Check your default browser settings and ensure pop-ups are allowed for Claude
  • Try manually copying the authorization URL from Claude Desktop and pasting it in your browser
  • Verify your firewall or security software isn’t blocking the connection
  • Make sure you have an active internet connection