fazTimes media: New Delhi, July 8 – The night skies over India are going to be spectacular for space lovers this week, as the International Space Station (ISS) will pass by several times between July 12. But the occasion isn’t just any regular night of stargazing—there’s a special reason tied to India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a respected officer from the Indian Air Force, is currently on the ISS.

His presence there is a proud moment for the country and has a personal meaning for people in India who love looking at the stars. It makes watching the ISS pass by more than just a regular event—it becomes a moment to feel connected to the nation. If you’ve never seen the ISS before, now is the best time to try. Many areas are expected to have clear skies, and this season is also a special moment in India’s space journey.

What Is the ISS, and Why Does It Matter?

The International Space Station orbits Earth at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour, which means it goes around the planet every 90 minutes. Because of this, astronauts on the ISS see the sun rise and set 16 times each day. Onboard, scientists conduct advanced experiments in microgravity that help them learn about climate change, create new medical technologies, and plan for future space missions to the Moon and Mars.

For India, having an astronaut on the ISS is a big milestone in its space diplomacy and training programs.

Meet Group. India's Man in Orbit is Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He comes from Uttar Pradesh and was trained at the National Defence Academy. He has worked as a test pilot and flight instructor in the Indian Air Force for a long time. This gives Indian astronauts the chance to learn and work on long-term space missions and experiments in microgravity. Even though his time in space is only about two weeks, his mission shows how much India is becoming involved in world space exploration.

Al Jazeera says that India’s growing role in space projects around the world is a sign that the country is becoming more skilled and ready to help.

How and When to Spot the ISS Over India

You can see the International Space Station with your eyes without needing a telescope or binoculars.

It looks like a bright, fast-moving white point in the sky, usually moving from west to east. It doesn’t blink or change direction like airplanes, so once you know when to look, it’s easy to spot. The best times to see the ISS, according to NASA, are at dawn and dusk.

Here is the schedule for when the ISS will fly over major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai. The times are based on local Indian Standard Time, but slight differences may occur depending on the specific region.

July 8

4:59 a.m. – 5:05 a.m.
7:59 p.m. – 8:06 p.m.
9:38 p.m. – 9:41 p.m.

July 9

4:10 a.m. – 4:16 a.m.
8:48 p.m.–8:53 p.m.

July 10

3:22 a.m. – 3:27 a.m.
4:58 a.m. – 5:04 a.m.
7:59 p.m. – 8:05 p.m.

July 11

2:34 a.m. – 2:36 a.m.
4:09 a.m. – 4:15 a.m.

July 12

7:59 p.m. – 8:03 p.m.

If the weather or clouds block the view this week, there's no need to worry—clear skies are expected from July 24 to August 1. But by that time, Captain Shukla will already be back on Earth, which makes this week especially important.

Apps to Help You Spot the ISS

Several free mobile apps can help you track the International Space Station in real time and send you alerts:

NASA’s Spot the Station is available for Android and iOS. It has a simple design, shows when the ISS will pass over your area, and can send you email notifications.
The ISS Detector is very popular. It uses your phone's GPS to give you personalized alerts and works with Google Sky Map to show where the ISS is in the sky.
Heavens Above is a fantastic choice for those who are more experienced. It includes star maps, tracking of space objects, and forums where people discuss their observations.

These apps are especially useful in cities, where bright lights can make it challenging to see the ISS because it’s so faint.

A Learning Opportunity for Students

Schools and science clubs in India are using this event as a chance to teach students. Activities like watching the sky and giving talks about space missions help kids understand how space science affects everyday life, such as GPS, weather forecasts, and planning farming.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has invited schools to participate in social media challenges and projects that allow students to contribute to real scientific research.

Dr. Meera Nair, a science teacher in Bengaluru:

“This isn’t just about seeing a moving object in the sky. It's about showing students that they can be scientists and maybe even go to space."

Why This Moment Matters

For many Indians, space has always been a source of wonder, from watching rocket launches on Doordarshan to celebrating ISRO’s success with Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. However, witnessing the International Space Station (ISS) with an Indian astronaut on board brings that aspiration closer to reality.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission is not just symbolic—it shows growing confidence in India’s ability to train astronauts, participate in global missions, and one day build its space station. As BBC News reported, “India is no longer just a spectator in global space efforts. It is becoming a participant—and soon, a leader.”

Final Thought: A Sky Full of Promise

As you look up at the sky this week, remember that bright dot moving silently through the stars isn't just a space station—it's a symbol of what humans can achieve and what India dreams of. And somewhere up there, a man from the land, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is flying around Earth, standing for not just the Indian Air Force or ISRO, but for all of us.

fazTimes will continue to bring you the latest updates on Captain Shukla's mission and other exciting news from the world of science and space.

At FazTimes, we prioritize accuracy, confidence, and strong journalistic standards. We ensure every news story we share is real by verifying it with multiple trustworthy and independent sources.

We’ve compared this report with coverage from major news outlets around the world, including BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, NDTV, The Economic Times, and The Indian Express.

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in global journalism so our readers can rely on the information they get.

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