Rocket Launch Tracking Background

Rocket Launch Tracking

Never miss a launch with real-time worldwide tracking

Space Program & Launch Tracking

TimeLapsed includes a unique worldwide rocket launch tracking system integrated directly into the camera, perfect for capturing launch timelapses.

Real-time tracking powered by CloudKit

Real-Time Launch Tracking

CloudKit-Based Feed System

Live Data Updates

Real-time rocket launch data from dedicated iCloud database

Automatic Status Monitoring

T-minus countdown timers with 60-second update intervals

Launch Window Monitoring

Automatic monitoring within 1 hour of launch time

In-Flight Tracking

Up to 2 hours of post-launch status tracking

Launch Status Types

GoReady for launch
InFlightCurrently launching
SuccessMission successful
FailureMission failed
HoldLaunch delayed

T-Minus Format: T-02dd:02hh:02mm:02ss

Push Notifications

CloudKit-powered notifications keep you updated on launch status changes:

  • • Launch time updates
  • • Status changes (Go/Hold)
  • • T-minus milestones
  • • Mission outcomes

Launch Pad Mapping & Navigation

Launch pad compass navigation

GPS Compass Integration

Real-time Bearing

Precise bearing calculation to launch pads using CoreLocation

Distance Assessment

0-60 miles: Good Visibility
60-100 miles: Possible Visibility
100+ miles: Not Likely

Device Orientation

Automatic compensation for landscape/portrait modes

Smart Smoothing: Exponential smoothing provides stable compass readings with noise reduction

Interactive Mapping

  • • Comprehensive launch pad database
  • • GPS coordinates for all sites
  • • MapKit integration with pins
  • • Historical launch statistics
  • • Automatic optimal pad selection

Launch Pad Database

  • • Kennedy Space Center
  • • Vandenberg SFB
  • • Cape Canaveral SFS
  • • Wallops Flight Facility
  • • International sites

In-Camera Integration

Camera Overlay System

Real-time Information

  • T-minus Display

    Live countdown overlaid on camera feed

  • Status Indicators

    Color-coded launch status with effects

  • Live Video Streams

    Embedded streams within camera view

Photography Enhancement

  • Launch Synchronization

    Auto camera trigger based on T-minus

  • Optimal Positioning

    Visibility calculations for positioning

  • Remote Coordination

    MCF for multi-device shooting

Launch Pad Finder: Bearing arrows and distance information guide you to optimal viewing spots

Weather Integration: Cloud cover charts help assess visibility conditions

Live Video Stream Integration

TimeLapsed automatically prioritizes and displays live video streams from launch providers

Stream Priority System

  1. 1.
    YouTube Live Feeds

    Official launch provider streams prioritized

  2. 2.
    Alternative Streams

    Backup streams from verified sources

  3. 3.
    Recorded Content

    Recent launch videos when live unavailable

Using Launch Tracking for Photography

1

Monitor Launches

Check the rocket launch tab for upcoming launches in your area

2

Plan Your Shot

Use the compass and distance info to find optimal viewing locations

3

Capture Launch

Use camera profiles for day/night launches with auto-trigger

Recommended Camera Profiles

🌞 Rocket Day Profile

  • • Lower ISO for bright conditions
  • • Fast shutter speed
  • • Interval: 1-2 seconds

🌙 Rocket Night Profile

  • • Higher ISO for low light
  • • Longer exposures
  • • Light painting enabled

Ready to Track Launches?

Combine rocket launch tracking with other TimeLapsed features for incredible results.