3 Free iPhone Apps for Tracking the International Space Station

Knowing exactly where the International Space Station is can be really important if you need to, say, successfully get supplies to the astronauts on board. It's also cool, too, if you just want to know when to see the ISS flying overhead. The Mac Observer rounded up a few iPhone apps to help you know exactly when it'll be in your part of the sky.

Track the International Space Station from your iPhone with these appsTrack the International Space Station from your iPhone with these apps

Sputnik!

The Sputnik! app shows exactly when the ISS will pass over your current location and even includes a countdown clock so you'll know when to look up. The app shows where to look, lets you save favorite locations, includes Facebook and Twitter sharing, and lets you know when Iridium satellite flares are visible, too. It also includes an Apple Watch app so you can see ISS viewing info on your wrist. Sputnik! offers a US$0.99 in-app purchase to disable ads.

Sputnik! may not be flashy, but it still makes tracking the ISS easySputnik! may not be flashy, but it still makes tracking the ISS easy

ISS Spotter

ISS Spotter gives you a slick forecast to show when the ISS will be visible, plus you can set alarms so you don't miss a fly over. The app uses your GPS to make sure the alarms you get are relevant, or you can set a custom location. ISS Spotter uses in-app purchases for donations instead of ad removal; donations are set at $0.99 or $2.99.

ISS Spotter shows viewing times with maps and chartsISS Spotter shows viewing times with maps and charts

GoISSWatch

If you're more into graphics for satellite tracking, GoISSWatch may be just what you're looking for. The app offers real time tracking, an overhead sky view, alerts for fly overs, and it lists exactly when the ISS will be visible in your area. No in-app purchases here, not even for donations.

Need lots of visuals for your satellite tracking? GoISSWatch has you covered.Need lots of visuals for your satellite tracking? GoISSWatch has you covered.

Do you have a favorite ISS app or sky watching app? Let us know in the comments.