International Space Station often visible from Earth. How to spot it
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- The International Space Station (ISS) has orbited Earth for over 25 years at about 260 miles altitude, serving as a global scientific laboratory and home to astronauts from 26 countries.
- The ISS completes an orbit every 90 minutes, making it visible from Earth up to 16 times daily, especially within a few hours before or after sunrise and sunset when it reflects sunlight.
- NASA's free "Spot the Station" app and the European Space Agency's online tracker allow users to receive notifications and track the ISS in real time, with no special equipment needed to see it.
- The ISS appears as a bright, fast-moving light in the sky, often outshining planets like Venus due to sunlight reflecting off its solar panels.
- Currently, seven astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos are aboard the ISS as part of Expedition 74, with crew rotations scheduled throughout the year.
