If you glance up at the night sky this week, you might just catch a glimpse of India's space ambassador, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, soaring above aboard the International Space Station. As the orbiting lab makes repeated passes over India, many are marking the moment with a salute to the skies.
India's Astronaut Overhead
In the coming days, the ISS will glide across Indian skies. With clear weather and perfect timing, observers can spot it for five to seven minutes. NASA’s “Spot the Station” and the ISS Detector app make it easier than ever. These tools help track the ISS with precision and even offer augmented reality viewing options.
Shukla, who recently urged Indians to share in his space journey, could well be gazing down from the cupola, overlooking his homeland with pride.
The best viewing dates stretch from July 7 to July 12. But even if clouds ruin the moment, more chances lie ahead from July 24 to August 1. By then, though, Shukla may be back on Earth.
When to Spot the ISS Over India
The International Space Station will be visible at the following times across Indian skies:
- July 7: 8.48 p.m. – 8.55 p.m.
- July 8: 4.59 a.m. – 5.05 a.m., 7.59 p.m. – 8.06 p.m., 9.38 p.m. – 9.41 p.m.
- July 9: 4.10 a.m. – 4.16 a.m., 8.48 p.m. – 8.53 p.m.
- July 10: 3.22 a.m. – 3.27 a.m., 4.58 a.m. – 5.04 a.m., 7.59 p.m. – 8.05 p.m.
- July 11: 2.34 a.m. – 2.36 a.m., 4.09 a.m. – 4.15 a.m.
- July 12: 7.59 p.m. – 8.03 p.m.
The ISS, launched in 1998, circles Earth at 28,000 km/h. It completes one full orbit every 90 minutes, offering 16 sunrises and sunsets each day to its astronauts. Built through a coalition of the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, it has hosted astronauts from 23 countries and supported over 4,400 scientific studies.
For observers, the ISS appears as a fast-moving bright dot in the twilight sky. It’s best seen before sunrise or just after sunset, when the sun’s rays still reflect off its panels but the sky remains dark.
Mobile apps like Spot the Station and ISS Detector offer custom notifications and real-time tracking. They even show where and when the ISS enters and exits your view. No telescope is needed—the ISS shines bright enough for the naked eye.
Beyond Viewing: A Shared Connection
The joy of spotting the ISS is more than astronomical. It’s emotional. As it glides over homes in India, it brings a sense of unity and achievement. Astronaut Shukla recently told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that, “From space, you don’t see borders. Bharat looks grand.” His words echoed sentiments first shared by Rakesh Sharma in 1984—"Sare Jahan Se Achha."
The station currently holds 11 astronauts from six countries. Their work, including Shukla’s, symbolises science beyond borders. India’s public has contributed close to ₹4 each to make this spaceflight happen. In return, the sky now holds a bit of India too.
ISRO also has its sights on the future. If plans proceed, by 2035 we could be cheering for our own Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
As you step out to look up this week, remember to wave. Somewhere up there, Shukla might be looking down—smiling back at a nation that sent him to the stars.
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