The most complex and most expensive experiment ever made. This year it will turn twenty years in orbit, and if we're lucky, it will stay in our skies for at least another decade. The International Space Station is a marvel of science and engineering, our best artificial satellite, and something worth seeing even with the naked eye. The good news is that we can do that in two ways: by creating a small project based on the Raspberry Pi, or by following the notifications from an official page.
The International Space Station began its launches on November 20, 1998, so we're less than a quarter away from its twentieth birthday. I imagine the main space agencies will be preparing something to mark the occasion, but the latest news seems focused on one topic: will it remain in orbit or not? The statements from NASA and Roscosmos have been... volatile, and the particular situation among the responsible states doesn't help bring clarity. Some sources suggest the mission of the International Space Station will be extended until 2028 before passing into private hands, while the most pessimistic see funding ceasing in 2025. Either way, space exploration will change forever once the station disappears, and the best we can do is try to learn as much as possible about it while it's still in orbit. A good first step is knowing where it is in our sky....
Project Arthur: A DIY Project
The first option is Project Arthur, an open-source initiative built around a Raspberry Pi Zero W, some IFTTT, and a paper satellite station. If you want to skip the model and get results right away, all you need to do is follow the official page's steps (link below; you'll need a Twitter account as well as the IFTTT links), set your location, and solder a small LED onto the Raspberry Pi. When the station passes over the mini computer, the combo of IFTTT, Twitter, and the LED will alert you to its presence through a special NASA API. The code part might look a bit intimidating, but I'm confident you'll get it working.
Spot the Station: Web Tool
The direct alternative to this DIY route is NASA's Spot the Station page: enter your exact location and note any possible sightings. The site also offers a tutorial on spotting the station once it appears on the horizon, several images and videos from the official Instagram profile, and an FAQ. Despite its suggestions, Spot the Station doesn't require an account to access the info. Just type your city, click View Sighting Opportunities, and write down the sightings. If you have binoculars or a telescope handy, your experience will be even better.
