Show HN: Open-Source International Space Station Tracker ESP32/Arduino for $20

Summary

International Space Station Tracker SpaceStationTracker is an application that displays the current position of the International Space Station on a 2D world map. It runs on a ESP32-2432S028R ILI9341 device with a 2.8" screen, commonly known as the CYD "Cheap Yellow Display", which costs $20 or less. The code was written using Arduino IDE / ESP32 development environment in c++. I used this project to learn programming for ESP32/Arduino/CYD. It includes topics such as graphics using LVGL, wifi connection, getting information from a restful API, parsing json data, and touchscreen interaction. This would make a great space related STEM classroom project. As of the time of writing, the end of life for the ISS is slated for 2030. This code could be repurposed for other orbiting space objects. Using the SpaceStationTracker The SpaceStationTracker requires a local Wifi connection to retrieve location data for the International Space Station. The first time you load and run the app on the CYD, it will display a splash screen for how to connect. The ESP32 board will create a hotspot that you can then connect to from a phone or laptop. Choose your Wifi network and enter your credentials to connect the CYD to your Wifi. This is a safer method than hard coding Wifi info in the application, as with many esp32 DIY projects out there. Once the app is connected to Wifi, it will continue to display and track the International Space Station. The esp32 will remember the last Wifi connection when cycling power, and if it changes you will be prompted to re connect using the above method. The splashscreen will display on the CYD until it can connect to WiFi. On a phone or computer, connect to the temporary WiFi access point called "SpaceStationTracker". It should show the screen above. Click "Configure WiFi". Enter the WiFi network you wish to connect to (or select from the list) and enter your password. This is used for the ESP32 board to connect to your local WiFi. After a successful c...