- The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 28,000 km/h, offering 16 sunrises daily
- Built by five agencies, the ISS hosts astronauts from 23 countries and 4,400 experiments
- The Spot the Station app helps users spot the ISS during twilight by tracking its location
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly over India repeatedly in the next few days and one can, figuratively speaking, wave at him when one looks up. In the next few days, the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Shukla's home away from home, will repeatedly fly over the Indian landmass. Shukla has also made heartfelt pleas from space for Indians to join in on his mission.
The ISS can be sighted streaking across the sky, often visible for as long as five to seven minutes. Spotting the space station has become easier than ever, thanks to NASA's "Spot the Station" mobile app and the ISS Detector app.
The NASA Spot the Station app and the ISS Detector App are very easy to use, so go out say Namaskar to Shukla, he may well be sitting in the cupola looking down benevolently over his mother land. At NDTV we already have an active watch party that is celebrating the success of 'India's Cosmic Leap'. We may soon see how Shukla viewed India from space.
A quick guide to spot the ISS in India
Those who miss the sighting, mostly due to clouds, can have another shot between July 24 and August 1, but Shukla may hopefully be back on Earth by then.
Do not get disappointed if it is cloudy at one of the viewing times, we also celebrate the life-giving monsoon, one may be lucky on the next spotting opportunity.
"Spotting the Space Station: A Celestial Guide to Seeing Humanity's Orbiting Laboratory from Earth"
For over two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has circled our planet, serving as a beacon of scientific collaboration and human ingenuity. Orbiting at a blistering speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, the ISS completes one revolution around Earth every 90 minutes, offering astronauts on board 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.
Why Spot the Station?
The ISS is more than just a spacecraft - it's a symbol of international cooperation. Built and operated by the US, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), the station has hosted astronauts from 23 countries and supported over 4,400 scientific experiments from researchers in 109 nations. It's a floating laboratory that has cost over $150 billion to make and is a testbed for future missions to the Moon and Mars, and a platform for Earth science and technology development.
Spotting the ISS from Earth connects everyday people to this extra ordinary endeavour. It's a reminder that space exploration isn't confined to rocket scientists and astronauts - it belongs to all of us. One can also spot the Chinese space station named 'Tiangong' which was launched in 2021.
When and Where to Look
The ISS is visible from Earth because it reflects sunlight, much like the Moon. However, unlike the Moon, it's not bright enough to be seen during the day. The best viewing opportunities occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset, when the station is illuminated by the Sun but the sky is dark enough for it to stand out.
During these twilight windows, the ISS appears as a bright, fast-moving object - similar to a star or airplane but without flashing lights or changes in direction. It typically crosses the sky in just a few minutes, so timing is crucial.
NASA's Spot the Station app and the ISS Detector app provides detailed sighting information, including:
Time: When the station will be visible in our local time zone.
Duration: How long it will be visible before it dips below the horizon.
Maximum Height: The elevation angle from the horizon (0° is the horizon, 90° is directly overhead).
Appears/Disappears: Compass directions indicating where the station will enter and exit your field of view.
The spot the station Mobile Apps
Available for free on both iOS and Android, the Spot the Station app and ISS Detector app are a powerful tool for space enthusiasts and casual observers alike. It offers:
Push Notifications: Alerts for upcoming viewing opportunities tailored to your exact location.
Augmented Reality (AR): A virtual overlay that helps you locate the station in the sky using your phone's camera and compass.
Live Tracking: A real-time map showing the ISS's current position as it orbits Earth.
The app is designed to be user-friendly and accessible worldwide. It supports multiple languages. Users can customize notification settings to receive alerts that match their preferences and location.
Tips for a Great Viewing Experience
To maximize your chances of spotting the ISS:
Choose the Right Time: Use the apps to find sightings during twilight hours.
Find a Clear View: Go to an open area away from tall buildings and trees.
Look Up Quickly: The station moves fast-faster than any airplane-so be ready.
Use AR Mode: Let your phone guide you with its augmented reality overlay.
Wave Hello: Astronauts often encourage viewers to wave as the station passes overhead.
No telescope is needed - the ISS is visible to the naked eye. It's one of the brightest objects in the night sky when conditions are right.
Behind the Scenes: Tracking the ISS
NASA's flight controllers at the Johnson Space Center in Houston monitor the ISS's trajectory using sophisticated software and real-time data. The station's path is influenced by atmospheric drag and orbital manoeuvres, so its position is updated frequently. NASA shares this data publicly in formats compatible with commercial spaceflight software, allowing enthusiasts and developers to integrate ISS tracking into their own projects.
A Shared Human Achievement
Spotting the ISS is more than a fun activity - it's a moment of connection. As you gaze up at the station, you witness a living symbol of global cooperation; there are 11 astronauts from six countries at the space station. The astronauts on board represent a commitment to science, exploration, and unity. Whether you're in Noida, Nagpur, New York, or Nairobi, the station's flyover is a shared experience that transcends borders. The country's 140 crore Indians have spent close to Rs 4 each to have Astronaut Shukla in space, so use your investment and relish the moment. If all goes well by 2035 the watch party will be for our own Bhartiya Antarisksha Station.
Shukla's View of Earth
On June 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Group Captain Shukla and expressed the collective pride of Indians, stating, "today you are farthest from your motherland but you are closest to the hearts of Indians".
When asked about his first thoughts upon seeing space, Shukla shared a profound realization: "From space, you don't see any borders. The Earth looks united. Bharat looks grand." His comments were a throwback to what Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma said in 1984 about India - "Sare jahan se achha."
