For over two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has circled the Earth at 28,000 km per hour, completing an orbit every 90 minutes and offering astronauts 16 sunrises and sunsets daily. For those on Earth, spotting this symbol of global scientific cooperation has never been easier, especially as India’s own astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, now joins the ISS, marking a milestone for India’s space journey. With NASA’s “Spot the Station” app and other tools like the ISS Detector, Indians can witness this orbiting lab flying overhead, turning the sky into a window to space exploration and national pride.
Why Spotting the ISS Matters ?
The ISS represents a $150 billion commitment to science, technology, and international partnership, involving the US, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency. It has hosted astronauts from 23 countries and conducted over 4,400 scientific experiments from 109 nations. For India, this connection is now even more personal with the presence of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on board, becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS under the Gaganyaan program, supported by 140 crore Indians who have each contributed, in spirit and tax rupees, to this mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi captured the nation’s sentiment when he told Shukla during a live call that while he may be far from the motherland, he is closest to the hearts of all Indians. Shukla’s view from space, seeing a borderless Earth and a vast, united Bharat, resonates deeply with the aspirations of a rising India. His reflection that “Bharat Looks Bhavya” from space and his echo of Rakesh Sharma’s historic words in 1984 remind Indians that space exploration belongs to all citizens, not just scientists and astronauts.
Best Times to Spot the ISS Over India
The ISS is visible to the naked eye because it reflects sunlight, appearing as a bright, fast-moving dot in the sky without flashing lights or changes in direction. The best times to observe it are within a few hours before sunrise or after sunset, when the station is illuminated while the sky is dark enough to provide contrast.
For India, upcoming dates to spot the ISS include:
- July 7: 8.48 pm to 8.55 pm
- July 8: 4.59 am to 5.05 am; 7.59 pm to 8.06 pm; 9.38 pm to 9.41 pm
- July 9: 4.10 am to 4.16 am; 8.48 pm to 8.53 pm
- July 10: 3.22 am to 3.27 am; 4.58 am to 5.04 am; 7.59 pm to 8.05 pm
- July 11: 2.34 am to 2.36 am; 4.09 am to 4.15 am
- July 12: 7.59 pm to 8.03 pm
Between July 24 and August 1, several passes will be visible across India, providing multiple opportunities to join the “watch party.” The ISS typically crosses the sky in a few minutes, so punctuality is key to spotting it.
Using the Spot the Station and ISS Detector Apps
NASA’s “Spot the Station” app, available on iOS and Android, and the ISS Detector app help users pinpoint when and where the ISS will be visible. These apps provide notifications, duration of visibility, maximum height in the sky, and the exact direction the ISS will appear and disappear. Augmented reality features in these apps can guide users with their phone cameras, making it easy for everyone, from enthusiasts to families, to participate in this shared cosmic experience.
For the best viewing experience, find an open area away from city lights and tall structures. Look up during the designated times and wave, as astronauts often encourage viewers to greet them as the station passes overhead, turning a few minutes under the stars into a moment of connection with those orbiting 400 km above.
Shukla’s Voice from Space: A New Era for India
In a heartfelt conversation, Shukla shared with PM Modi that from space, borders are invisible, and the Earth looks united. He highlighted how vast India appears from orbit, describing the pride and sense of unity that space offers. Shukla’s journey is not just a personal feat but a reflection of India’s ambitions in space, symbolising the nation’s leap towards the future as ISRO continues to build on the momentum with the Gaganyaan program and plans for India’s own space station by 2035.
He noted that orbiting Earth 16 times a day at 28,000 km per hour is a testament to the speed at which India is progressing. His childhood dream, which once seemed distant, became a reality under India’s current space mission goals, inspiring countless young Indians to dream of the stars.
As India continues its cosmic journey, the ISS flyover becomes more than just a spectacle; it represents a moment of unity, progress, and shared aspiration for 140 crore Indians. With every visible pass of the ISS, Indians can look up and see a reflection of their investment in science, exploration, and the collective dreams of a nation ready to take its place among the stars.
