Status Help

• What orbit is the ISS in now?
• Where is the ISS?
• Which orbits can I target now?
• What are the deadlines for submitting photo requests?
• Are there any important announcements about the mission?
• How should I set up my slider map?

Map Help

• What areas of the earth will be visible from the ISS on this mission?
• What is the exact time (in GMT) the ISS will be above the spot I want to photograph?
• How do I find the essential information needed to submit a photo request?

Photo Entry Help

• How do I use my code words?
• How do I submit my photo request to EarthKAM?

Photo List Help

• Was my photo submission accepted?
• Was my photo sent to the ISS?
• Was the photograph taken?
• Can I see my photo?
• Can I see the photos of other schools that have participated in the mission?

General Information:

• The ISS travels eastward, in the same direction as the earth's rotation.
• The ISS completes a full orbit every 90 minutes.
• The ISS camera does not move. The camera takes photos directly beneath the ISS, in a fixed position pointed out a window.
• We send your photo requests to a laptop aboard the ISS, and the laptop clicks a photo at the time (GMT) designated in your photo request.
• The map page helps you find the GMT corresponding to your target.
• We must send your requests to the ISS about 3 hours before the ISS passes over your photo target. This is why you must pay attention to deadlines when requesting photos.