About
Skytrail is an upcoming iOS application designed for satellite spotters, space enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to know exactly when and where to look up. The app tracks 2,000+ satellites — from the International Space Station to Starlink trains — and delivers precise pass predictions complete with rise/set times, brightness ratings, and quality scores. The standout AR Sky View feature lets you point your phone at the night sky and follow crosshair guidance directly to any satellite in real-time, logging sightings with a single tap. A live 3D Globe shows every tracked satellite orbiting Earth, and a Fleet Management system lets you follow favorites, assign nicknames, and receive targeted notifications only for passes you care about. Launch tracking is fully integrated: live countdowns, detailed mission specs, stage-event telemetry (speed, altitude, MECO, deploy), and embedded livestreams are available for every rocket mission. Newly deployed satellites appear in the app immediately with a 'NEW' badge for instant Fleet-adding. The Humans in Space section profiles every current crew member aboard ISS and Tiangong — mission role, agency, and live days-in-orbit — so you know exactly who is overhead during a pass. Live Activities and Dynamic Island support deliver lock-screen elevation arcs and T-0 countdowns without unlocking your phone. Built on iOS 26 with a liquid glass design optimized for night viewing, Skytrail also features 21 gamified achievements (from 'First Light' on your very first sighting to 'Legend' at 500 sightings), streak tracking, and global leaderboards. The app is expected to launch in 2026.
Key Features
- Real-Time AR Sky View: Point your iPhone at the sky and follow crosshair guidance to any satellite in real-time. Tap 'I See It!' to instantly log your sighting.
- Precise Pass Predictions: Get accurate rise/set times, brightness ratings, elevation scores, and quality filters for over 2,000 tracked satellites including ISS and Starlink trains.
- Live Rocket Launch Coverage: Follow every launch with live countdowns, speed and altitude telemetry, stage-event timelines, mission details, and integrated video livestreams.
- Humans in Space Tracker: See every current crew member aboard ISS and Tiangong with full profiles: agency, mission role, and live days-in-orbit counter.
- Achievements & Global Leaderboards: Earn 21 awards from 'First Light' to 'Legend' (500 sightings), track daily and weekly streaks, and compete with satellite spotters worldwide.
Use Cases
- Spotting the International Space Station as it passes overhead with AR-guided crosshair direction and lock-screen countdown.
- Chasing Starlink satellite trains after a fresh Falcon 9 deploy, with newly launched satellites automatically flagged in the app.
- Following a SpaceX or ULA rocket launch in real-time with integrated telemetry and embedded livestream without leaving the app.
- Learning who is currently living in space by viewing full crew profiles — including days in orbit — for ISS and Tiangong residents.
- Competing with other sky-watchers on global leaderboards while working toward achievement milestones like 'On Fire' (7-day streak) and 'Legend' (500 sightings).
Pros
- All-in-one space companion: Combines satellite tracking, AR sky view, launch coverage, and crew tracking in a single polished iOS app — no need for multiple apps.
- Gamified engagement: The 21-achievement system, streak tracking, and global leaderboards turn sky-watching into an ongoing, motivating hobby.
- Lock-screen Live Activities: Real-time elevation arcs and launch countdowns surface directly on the lock screen and Dynamic Island, so you never miss a pass.
- Fleet personalization: Custom nicknames, filtered notifications, and a personal Fleet dashboard make it easy to focus on exactly the satellites you care about.
Cons
- iOS only: Android users have no access; the app is built exclusively for iPhone and requires iOS 16.1 or later for Live Activities features.
- Not yet available: Skytrail is still in pre-launch as of 2026 — only a waitlist exists, so prospective users cannot try the app yet.
- No transparent pricing: Pricing tiers and any premium or subscription details have not been disclosed ahead of launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Skytrail be available?
Skytrail is scheduled to launch in 2026. You can join the waitlist on the official website to be notified as soon as it's ready.
How many satellites can Skytrail track?
Skytrail supports precise pass predictions and real-time tracking for over 2,000 satellites, including the ISS, Tiangong, and Starlink constellations.
How does the AR tracking feature work?
The AR Sky View uses your iPhone's camera and sensors to overlay a real-time crosshair on the sky, guiding you directly to a satellite's current position. Once you visually spot it, you tap 'I See It!' to log the sighting.
What launch information does Skytrail provide?
Skytrail covers every rocket launch with live countdowns, mission details (payload, orbit, rocket specs), real-time telemetry (speed, altitude, stage events), push notifications before T-0, and integrated video livestreams.
What is the Fleet feature?
Fleet is your personal satellite list. You can follow any of the 2,000+ tracked satellites, give them custom nicknames, and configure notifications to alert you only for passes from satellites in your Fleet.
