# Spot the Station

> See The Space Station Overhead

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6449235044](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6449235044)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id6449235044`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** NASA
- **Category:** Education
- **Rating:** 4.80 / 5 (10,121 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.11.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-27
- **First published:** 2023-07-17
- **Size:** 84 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-22
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spot-the-station/id6449235044)
- **Website:** [https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/](https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/HP\_Privacy.html](https://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/HP_Privacy.html)

## Description

Spot the Station is a Chrome extension that notifies you when the International Space Station is visible overhead from your location, turning a quiet night sky into a moment of wonder. It offers real-time 2D and 3D ISS location views, upcoming sighting lists with visibility windows, and an augmented reality mode that overlays trajectory lines and a compass onto your camera view.

The extension also provides up-to-date NASA space station resources and blog content, configurable privacy settings, and push notifications as the station approaches. Designed to educate and inspire, Spot the Station makes space observation accessible to everyone who gazes upward.

## Rankings

- #17,423 — Overall
- #7 — station

## Review summary

Spot the Station is loved for timely ISS-overhead alerts and the engaging, family-friendly experience of tracking passes and learning about space. Users report it’s motivating to go outside and discuss NASA discoveries. Main downsides across reviews are accuracy and location issues, confusing UI and regression from earlier versions, unreliable or desired-alternative notifications (e.g., SMS), and occasional bugs (AR view). The app’s concept is strong, but reliability and usability improvements are needed.

### Pros

- Timely notifications when the ISS is overhead or about to fly by.
- Fun and engaging tracking that encourages outdoor viewing with family and friends.
- Educational and inspirational, highlighting NASA/space achievements.
- Supports sharing observations and sparking conversations about space.

### Cons

- Inaccurate location data and overhead timing leading to missed or unseen sightings.
- Cumbersome UI and usability issues, with regressions from earlier versions.
- Unreliable notifications and gaps (e.g., desire for SMS alerts; alerts stop if the app isn’t opened).
- Bugs in AR view and other visuals (e.g., black screen or spinning wheel).

## Similar extensions and apps

- [ISS Spotter App](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6757094244)
- [Space Spot!](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id937950322) — 4.80 / 5
- [ISS Tracker - ISSWatch](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6790068184)
- [Sat Seeker ISS Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id528998089) — 4.50 / 5
- [ISS Track 2](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1406132231) — 1.00 / 5
- [Satellite Track: Satellite Map](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6736352316) — 5.00 / 5
- [Space Station Alarm](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6793333020)
- [SpaceStationAR](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id361194118) — 4.80 / 5
- [Space Station Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1673123826) — 4.60 / 5
- [Satellite Tracker ISS Live Map](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6746504191) — 4.70 / 5
- [Starlink Satellite Tracker ISS](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6444488563) — 4.00 / 5
- [ISS Tracker - Live Position](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6740058138) — 4.70 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6449235044)