ISS Tracker – USA is a new Das Keyboard Q applet that turns one of your keys into a live indicator for the position of the International Space Station.
The applet uses your ZIP code to determine your location and calculates the station’s distance in real time using live orbital data. It updates every 30 seconds to ensure your keyboard is always in sync with the station’s position.
Your keyboard, now connected to orbit.
Hi, I’m Aksel. I’m an intern at Metadot, and over the past few weeks I’ve been developing a series of applets for the Das Keyboard Q Series.
First, I released Air Quality Monitor – USA.
Then came Crypto Fear.
Now, I’m happy to release the third applet in this series: ISS Tracker – USA.
It’s designed to give you a clear, unobtrusive signal when the station is approaching or overhead with no maps, no trackers, just a glance at your keys.
Why This Applet Matters
The International Space Station orbits Earth about 16 times a day, often passing directly overhead. Knowing when the ISS is visible can turn an ordinary night into a spectacular viewing opportunity.
This applet puts that knowledge right on your keyboard, a constant connection to something orbiting 250 miles above.
How It Works
The applet lights up one key on your Das Keyboard Q to indicate the station’s proximity:
- Green blink when the ISS is overhead (within 500 km)
- Yellow blink when the ISS is very close (within 1000 km)
- Orange blink when the ISS is nearby (within 2000 km)
- Red steady glow when the ISS is far away
The applet calculates your distance from the ISS using the Haversine formula, based on your ZIP code. Live orbital data comes from the wheretheiss.at API and updates every 30 seconds to keep your keyboard in sync with the station’s orbit.
A Subtle Signal That Brings Space Closer
Instead of opening a tracking website or app, a quick glance at your keyboard tells you when the station is nearby.
No notifications. No extra windows. Just a quiet visual connection to orbit.
Setup is Simple
- Compatible with all Das Keyboard Q Series models
- Open the Q software
- Browse the applet directory
- Drag ISS Tracker – USA to any key
What’s Next
ISS Tracker – USA is the third in a series of applets I’m building during my internship at Metadot.
Next release will explore time management.
Try It Now
You can find ISS Tracker – USA in the Q software’s marketplace today.
Open the Das Keyboard Q software, browse the available applets, and set it to any key on your keyboard.
Want to explore the code and see how it works under the hood? Check out the source code here.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy a keyboard that’s connected to more than just typing.