Seeing the World from Orbit: ISS onLive
by Sean Setters
While scrolling through Google's app recommendations a while back, one app in particular – ISS onLive – caught my eye. After playing around with it for about a month, I think it's a worthwhile download/install for anyone with even a moderate interest in NASA and the International Space Station.
The app allows you to view two different live video streams from the ISS, as well as watch the official NASA TV channel. As I write this, the NASA TV channel is airing a live interview with the ISS crew (it's pretty cool). And with Chromecast, you can even watch the live feeds on your TV. The app also features a map so that you can see exactly where the space station is at any one time, and it can be set to display up to 5 orbit paths.
Another nice feature about the app is its ability to warn you whenever the ISS will be flying overhead. By turning on the alarm feature, the app will tell you when the ISS is scheduled to make its next pass near your location and will alert you 5 minutes ahead of time. And while the ISS far above you traveling at 17,150 mph, you can use the app to take a full-screen snapshot of the live feed looking down at your home.
Here's another look at the app (screenshot taken this morning):
And with the next-pass information at hand, you can also use the app to help you plan a photo capturing the ISS streaking across the night sky.
On the downside, the live video feeds are not always available. The app description even warns, "Sometimes video is not available by transmission problems. Be patient, in few minutes (sometimes hours) the transmission will return." But when the ISS's feed is working, and it's on the daylight side of the planet, you'll be treated to a view of Earth that you can't get anywhere else.
Download: ISS onLive for Android
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