Last Updated: November 29, 2025
Introduction
OrbitalPing ("we", "our", or "us") operates the ISS Tracker web application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you use our email notification service, we collect:
- Email Address: Required to send ISS pass notifications
- Location Data: Latitude, longitude, and elevation to calculate ISS passes
- Location Name: Optional location identifier you provide
- IP Address: Automatically collected for security and analytics
Automatically Collected Information
- Browser Information: Browser type, version, and device information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, and interaction patterns
- Cookies: Session cookies for authentication and functionality
- Log Data: Access times, referring URLs, and error logs
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to:
- Calculate and provide ISS pass predictions for your location
- Send email notifications about upcoming ISS passes
- Maintain and improve our service functionality
- Ensure security and prevent abuse
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Respond to support requests and communications
Data Storage and Security
Storage
- User data is stored in secure, encrypted databases
- All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
- Session data is stored using secure cookies
- Temporary data is cached to improve performance
Security Measures
- Industry-standard encryption for all connections
- Secure cookie implementation preventing unauthorized access
- Multiple layers of protection against common web attacks
- Rate limiting prevents abuse and automated attacks
- Regular security audits, updates, and monitoring
Data Retention
- Active user data is retained while you use the service
- Inactive accounts may be purged after 365 days of inactivity
- Log data is retained for 90 days
- Cached data is automatically expired based on configured timeframes
Third-Party Services
External APIs
We use the following external services:
- CelesTrak: For ISS orbital element (TLE) data
- Open-Meteo: For weather and cloud cover information (optional)
- Google AdSense: For displaying personalized advertisements
Google AdSense Integration
Our website uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense is an advertising service provided by Google LLC. When you visit our website:
Information Collected by Google:
- Cookies and unique identifiers to track ad views and interactions
- IP address (anonymized for EU users)
- Browser and device information
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Your interaction with advertisements
How Google Uses This Information:
- To serve relevant, personalized ads based on your interests
- To measure ad performance and prevent fraud
- To improve their advertising services
- To create anonymous aggregate reports
Your Control:
- Opt out of personalized ads: Google Ads Settings
- Learn more: Google Privacy Policy
- AdSense Privacy: How Google uses data
Data Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share data only:
- With your explicit consent
- To comply with legal obligations
- To protect our rights and safety
- With service providers (like Google AdSense) under strict confidentiality agreements
- For advertising purposes as described in the Google AdSense section above
Cookies and Tracking
Essential Cookies
- Session Cookie: Maintains your login state and preferences
- Preference Cookie: Stores your settings for convenience
Analytics Cookies
We may use cookies to:
- Track anonymous usage statistics
- Improve service performance
- Understand user behavior patterns
Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Show personalized ads based on your interests
- Measure ad performance and effectiveness
- Prevent the same ads from showing repeatedly
- Detect and prevent fraud and abuse
Google's Advertising Cookies:
- Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites
- Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visits to our site and/or other sites on the Internet
- You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings
- You can also opt out of third-party vendor use of cookies by visiting aboutads.info
Data Shared with Google:
When ads are displayed, the following information may be shared with Google:
- Your IP address (anonymized)
- Browser type and language
- Device information (type, screen size, operating system)
- Pages viewed and time spent on our site
- Referring website or source that brought you to our site
Google uses this information in accordance with their Privacy Policy.
Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit functionality and prevent personalized ads from displaying properly. Most browsers allow you to:
- View and delete cookies
- Block third-party cookies
- Block cookies from specific sites
- Block all cookies
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
Your Rights
Access and Control
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your stored data
- Correction: Update or correct your information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from email notifications at any time
Exercising Your Rights
To exercise these rights, contact us or use the account management features in the application.
Children's Privacy
Our service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we discover we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately.
Location Data
Collection and Use
- Location data is used exclusively for calculating ISS pass times
- You can provide location data manually or through browser geolocation
- Location data is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes
- You can update or delete your location data at any time
Geolocation Services
If you use browser geolocation:
- Your browser controls access permissions
- We do not track your location continuously
- Location is only used when you request pass calculations
Email Communications
Notification Emails
When you sign up for notifications:
- We send emails only about ISS passes over your location
- We may send service-related announcements
- We never send marketing or promotional emails from third parties
Unsubscribe
You can unsubscribe at any time by:
- Clicking the unsubscribe link in any email
- Managing your notification preferences in your account
- Contacting us directly
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in compliance with this Privacy Policy.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending an email notification (for material changes)
Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
- Right to deletion of personal information
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights
We do not sell personal information.
GDPR Compliance (EU Users)
For users in the European Union:
- Legal Basis: We process data based on consent and legitimate interests
- Data Protection Officer: Contact information provided below
- Right to Lodge Complaint: You can file complaints with your local supervisory authority
- Data Portability: Request your data in machine-readable format
- Automated Decision-Making: We do not use automated decision-making or profiling
Contact Information
For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:
Email: privacy@orbitalping.com
Website: https://orbitalping.com/contact
Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours
Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:
- Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery
- Provide details about the breach and affected data
- Explain steps taken to address the breach
- Offer guidance on protecting your information
Software Information
This is a proprietary web application. Our security practices and infrastructure are regularly audited to ensure your data protection.
Legal Disclaimer
This privacy policy constitutes a legal agreement between you and OrbitalPing. By using our service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of November 29, 2025, and governs the collection and use of information by OrbitalPing ISS Tracker.