Get to Know the Space Station and See It with Your Own Eyes
The International Space Station (ISS) orbits 400 km above Earth as the largest crewed space facility in human history. Operated collaboratively by 15 countries including Japan’s Kibo laboratory module, the ISS can be seen with the naked eye from Japan when conditions are right.
This article covers the basics of the ISS, the role of Japan’s Kibo module, and how to spot the station with your own eyes. The ISS is scheduled to operate until 2030. Take this opportunity to experience space up close.
What Is the ISS? The Largest Crewed Space Facility in History
The International Space Station is a crewed research facility orbiting approximately 400 km above Earth in low orbit. About the size of a football field, it circles the planet every 90 minutes.
Construction of the ISS began in 1998, and it was completed in 2011. This international cooperation project involves 15 countries including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and various European nations. Typically around six astronauts live aboard for extended stays, conducting various experiments and research.
| Region | Partner Agency |
|---|---|
| North America | NASA (United States), CSA (Canada) |
| Asia | JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) |
| Russia | Roscosmos |
| Europe | ESA (European Space Agency) - 11 member countries |
The Purpose and Scientific Achievements of the ISS
The primary purpose of the ISS is to conduct experiments and research utilizing the unique space environment. The microgravity conditions that cannot be replicated on Earth enable research across diverse fields including life sciences, physics, materials science, and medicine.
In microgravity, phenomena such as fluid movement, cell division, and material solidification behave differently than on Earth. By observing and studying these phenomena, scientists deepen our understanding of life and matter on Earth while advancing new technologies.
The ISS also serves as a platform for Earth and space observation. Orbiting the planet every 90 minutes, it can observe virtually any location on Earth, contributing to weather monitoring and environmental research. Additionally, it plays a crucial role as a proving ground for technologies needed for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.
Japan’s Kibo Laboratory Module
What Is Kibo?
Kibo is the experimental module developed by Japan. Since beginning operations on March 11, 2008, it has operated around the clock. As the largest module on the ISS, Kibo stands as Japan’s first crewed space facility and has served as the venue for numerous experiments and research projects.
Components of Kibo
Kibo consists of four main elements.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Pressurized Module | The main space where astronauts conduct experiments. Measures 4.4m in diameter and 11.2m in length, maintained at 1 atmosphere |
| Exposed Facility | A platform exposed directly to space for astronomical observation, Earth observation, and materials experiments |
| Experiment Logistics Module | Stores experimental equipment and supplies. The only dedicated storage module on the ISS |
| Robotic Arm | Supports external operations. Consists of the main arm and small fine arm |
Features and Achievements of Kibo
Kibo is known as the quietest module on the ISS. It is the only module that meets the ISS noise standards, and astronauts from other countries reportedly prefer to use it when communicating with their families.
One notable research achievement is the high-quality protein crystal growth experiment. Crystals grown in microgravity are of higher quality than those produced on Earth and are being used in drug development research. Other achievements with practical applications on Earth include research on osteoporosis mechanisms and plant science.
How to Spot the ISS with the Naked Eye
When conditions are right, the ISS can be seen with the naked eye from Japan. No special equipment is needed—you can observe a bright, star-like light moving slowly across the sky.
Three Conditions for Visibility
Three conditions must be met to see the ISS:
- Clear skies - No clouds and an unobstructed view of the sky
- The ISS must pass overhead - Depends on the station’s orbit and your viewing location
- Night on the ground, daylight for the ISS - About 2 hours before sunrise or after sunset are ideal
The third condition is key. The ISS shines by reflecting sunlight, so even when it’s dark on the ground, the station must be in sunlight to be visible. This makes the twilight hours around dawn and dusk the best times for observation.
Tips for Observation
Under ideal conditions, the ISS can shine as bright as Jupiter (magnitude -2). It moves slightly faster than an airplane and travels at a steady brightness without blinking.
Using a telescope narrows your field of view and can actually make it easier to miss the station. Scanning the sky with the naked eye is recommended. Try capturing video with your smartphone as well.
How to Check Observation Forecasts
To find out when and where the ISS will be visible, check the “#SpotTheStation” site operated by JAXA.
- JAXA Spot the Station: https://lookup.kibo.space/
Select your region to see upcoming observation forecasts. You can also sign up for email notifications about the best viewing times.
The Future of the ISS and Commercial Space Stations
The ISS is scheduled to operate until 2030. Having been in operation since 1998, the station is aging, and time is needed to transition to commercial space stations. Japan officially committed to the extension in November 2022, and experiments and research on Kibo will continue.
After operations end in 2031, the ISS will reenter the atmosphere and fall into the South Pacific in an area called Point Nemo. This region is known as the “spacecraft cemetery,” where many spacecraft have been intentionally deorbited over the years.
Meanwhile, development of commercial space stations to succeed the ISS is underway. Axiom Space plans to dock its modules to the ISS around 2026, operating as the independent Axiom Station when the ISS retires in 2030. Japan has also begun concept design for a successor to Kibo, preparing for a new era of space development.
- JAXA: Japan Officially Commits to ISS Extension Through 2030
- JAXA: Request for Information on Post - ISS Low Earth Orbit Services
Summary
The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest crewed space facility in human history, operated through the cooperation of 15 countries. Japan’s Kibo laboratory module plays an important role, producing numerous research achievements that leverage the space environment.
The ISS will operate until 2030—just a few years remain. On a clear night, you might spot the ISS flying 400 km overhead with your own eyes. Check the observation forecasts on JAXA’s Spot the Station site and experience seeing the space station for yourself.