International Space Station Real-Time Trajectory Monitoring Workflow
This workflow is triggered at regular intervals and automatically retrieves real-time location data of the International Space Station every minute, including latitude, longitude, and timestamps. It features an intelligent deduplication function to ensure that the output trajectory points are the most recent and unique, preventing duplicate records and thereby enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of the data. It is suitable for aerospace research institutions, educational projects, and aerospace enthusiasts, enabling efficient monitoring and analysis of the dynamics of the International Space Station.
Workflow Name
International Space Station Real-Time Trajectory Monitoring Workflow
Key Features and Highlights
This workflow is triggered at regular intervals, automatically calling the International Space Station (ISS) public API every minute to obtain its current latitude, longitude, and timestamp. It intelligently identifies and filters out duplicate data, outputting only the latest trajectory points to ensure data timeliness and uniqueness. The entire process is fully automated without manual intervention, making it ideal for continuous monitoring of the ISS’s movements.
Core Problems Addressed
This workflow solves the challenge of automated real-time retrieval and deduplication of the ISS’s location data, preventing redundant records and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of monitoring data. This facilitates subsequent data analysis and visualization.
Application Scenarios
- Real-time tracking of the ISS location by aerospace research institutions
- Educational and public outreach projects showcasing the ISS trajectory
- Development of satellite tracking applications or services
- Aerospace enthusiasts obtaining dynamic ISS data
Main Process Steps
- Cron Node: Triggers the workflow every minute to maintain data retrieval frequency and real-time updates.
- HTTP Request Node: Accesses the API endpoint “https://api.wheretheiss.at/v1/satellites/25544/positions” with the current timestamp to fetch the ISS’s location data.
- Set Node: Extracts and formats the returned latitude, longitude, and timestamp data into a unified output format.
- Function Node: Performs deduplication on the newly fetched data, selecting only previously unrecorded latest trajectory points to avoid duplicate outputs.
Involved Systems or Services
- International Space Station Public API (wheretheiss.at)
- n8n Automation Platform Nodes: Cron trigger, HTTP request, Set data node, Custom function node
Target Users and Value
This workflow is suitable for aerospace researchers, educators, developers, and enthusiasts, enabling them to achieve automated real-time monitoring of the ISS’s location. By providing precise, high-frequency data retrieval combined with intelligent deduplication, it significantly improves the efficiency and quality of ISS trajectory data acquisition, facilitating further analysis, visualization, and application development.