ISS cameras

[deanm (Dean)]

At the moment, NASA streams video from one of a number of cameras mounted outside the ISS:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/iss_ustream.html

You can also follow ISS ground-track in real time (scroll down to zoom out):

http://iss.astroviewer.net/

In November, a Soyuz launch will deliver 2 much higher quality/resolution cameras to be mounted externally after an EVA:

http://www.urthecast.com/

This is a private company venture & should provide some pretty cool
on-orbit imaging!

Dean

[deanm (Dean)]

And here's a screen grab I just made as ISS overflew Adelaide a few minutes ago.

The arm in view will be used to snag the Cygnus spacecraft tomorrow morning (our time).

[acropolite (Phil)]

Interesting, I've been watching since I first saw your post.

[deanm (Dean)]

I like opening the ground track in one browser window, & the view down in another.

If you change the sizes, you can view both simultaneously.

I even contemplated getting a smartphone app developed - great for when you get an overhead pass at night: you can look up & also see the view down to your city (lights etc).

Don't have the $$$s, unfortunately.....

Dean

[Imagerman]

Wow I didn't think this existed?

[Exfso (Peter)]

Does not seem to be working for me, the page loads, but no images, just a blank area where I assume the image should be.

[deanm (Dean)]

Peter - note what is posted below the NASA screen view:

"Television from the station is available only when the complex is in contact with the ground through its high-speed communications antenna and NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. During "loss of signal" periods, you will see a blue screen."

The screen is blank about 20% of the time - mostly when ISS is over remote parts of the Pacific & Indian Oceans & over bits of Eastern Europe and (oddly) bits of Canada.

Also, when the ISS enters the Earth's shadow (every 90-odd minutes), or if they are using a camera that points away from the Earth, the screen can appear black.

If you use Heavens Above, you can work out in advance when ISS is going to overfly major cities at local night. Brightly-lit cities can be pretty impressive!

Also, ISS 'sunrise' & 'sunsets' make the visible parts of the ISS turn intensely red-purple as light is refracted through the atmosphere below.

Dean

[acropolite (Phil)]

LOL out of action ATM, the US govt is insolvent....