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Spot the Station

NASA's guide to seeing the International Space Station pass overhead

Open spotthestation.nasa.gov Similar maps Compare with Flightradar24

Coverage: Earth orbit
Updates: Live
Price: Free
Sign-up: Not needed
View: Flat map

What is Spot the Station?

Spot the Station from NASA tells you when the International Space Station will be visible from where you live and shows its current position on a map. You can sign up for alerts.

The ISS looks like a bright, steady, fast-moving star and is easy to see without a telescope.

What you can do

Upcoming visible ISS passes for your location
Live ISS position
Email and app alerts

The details

Coverage: Earth orbit
Updates: Live / real time
Data source: NASA
Made by: NASA (government agency)
Price: Free
Account: No account needed
On phones: Phone app available
Map view: Flat map

Tips for using Spot the Station

The best passes are high in the sky (high maximum elevation) shortly after sunset or before sunrise.

Who it is for

Spot the Station is especially useful for stargazers, students and teachers.

Maps for stargazers Interactive maps for students Interactive maps for teachers

Questions about Spot the Station

Is Spot the Station free?

Yes. Spot the Station is free to use.

Do I need an account to use Spot the Station?

No. You can open the map and use it without signing up.

How often is Spot the Station updated?

Spot the Station shows data in real time or close to it, so what you see is happening now (most live maps have a delay of a few seconds to a few minutes).

Where does Spot the Station get its data?

NASA.

Can I use Spot the Station on my phone?

Yes. There is a phone app (iPhone, Android), and the website also works in a browser.

What are some alternatives to Spot the Station?

Similar maps include Flightradar24, MarineTraffic, ADS-B Exchange and FlightAware. See the full list of Spot the Station alternatives on ColorfulMaps.

Summary based on public information about Spot the Station. Features and prices change; the map's own website has the latest details.