Frequently asked questions

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What's the deal with the Space Station?

The space station is the only microgravity laboratory on Earth. It is the size of a soccer field, where scientific and technological experiments are carried out continuously by crew members. Research aboard the orbiting laboratory benefits life on Earth, as well as future space exploration. The space station serves as a testbed for technology and allows studying the effects of long-term spaceflight on humans.

How often does the ISS appear in the sky?

The space station is visible because it reflects the light of the Sun - for the same reason we see the Moon. However, unlike the Moon, the space station is not bright enough to be seen during the day. It can only be seen when it is dawn or dusk in your location. As such, it can range from one sighting opportunity per month to several per week.

Do I need a telescope or binoculars to see the space station?

No, you can observe the ISS with the unaided eye, no equipment is required.

How fast is the space station moving?

The ISS orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. It moves at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour, giving the crew 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.

How to identify a space station in the sky? Did I see a space station yesterday?

A space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it has no flashing lights or changes direction. It moves much faster than an airplane (airplanes usually fly at about 1,000 km/h, the space station flies at 28,000 km/h.

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