This article provides a complete, practical walkthrough of the Http Cron Automation Scheduled n8n agent. It connects HTTP Request, Webhook across approximately 1 node(s). Expect a Intermediate setup in 15-45 minutes. One‑time purchase: €29.

What This Agent Does

This agent orchestrates a reliable automation between HTTP Request, Webhook, handling triggers, data enrichment, and delivery with guardrails for errors and rate limits.

It streamlines multi‑step processes that would otherwise require manual exports, spreadsheet cleanup, and repeated API requests. By centralizing logic in n8n, it reduces context switching, lowers error rates, and ensures consistent results across teams.

Typical outcomes include faster lead handoffs, automated notifications, accurate data synchronization, and better visibility via execution logs and optional Slack/Email alerts.

How It Works

The workflow uses standard n8n building blocks like Webhook or Schedule triggers, HTTP Request for API calls, and control nodes (IF, Merge, Set) to validate inputs, branch on conditions, and format outputs. Retries and timeouts improve resilience, while credentials keep secrets safe.

Third‑Party Integrations

• HTTP Request
• Webhook

Import and Use in n8n

1. Open n8n and create a new workflow or collection.
2. Choose Import from File or Paste JSON.
3. Paste the JSON below, then click Import.
4. Show n8n JSON

   Title:  
   Tracking the ISS in Real Time Using n8n: An Automated Workflow Tutorial
   
   Meta Description:  
   Learn how to create a real-time International Space Station (ISS) tracking workflow in n8n using a public API. Automate time-stamped coordinates and filter out duplicates with this simple guide.
   
   Keywords:  
   n8n workflow, ISS tracking, public APIs, automation, HTTP request, location data, timestamp filter, no-code automation, open-source integration
   
   Third-Party APIs Used:
   
   - Where The ISS At API — https://api.wheretheiss.at
   
   Article:
   
   Automating ISS Tracking in Real Time Using n8n
   
   As the capabilities of automation platforms grow, so do the possibilities for imaginative and useful workflows — especially for space enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore a simple yet powerful n8n workflow that tracks the real-time location of the International Space Station (ISS), filters unique location points, and updates constantly through automated execution. Whether you're a no-code hobbyist or a developer experimenting with data pipelines, this guide will show you how to build an effective satellite tracking solution using n8n.
   
   Understanding the Workflow
   
   Let’s break down each component of this workflow and how it contributes to the ISS tracking mechanism.
   
   1. Cron Node — The Time Trigger
   
   The workflow begins with a Cron node configured to trigger every minute. This ensures that the workflow kicks off at a regular interval, creating a steady stream of incoming data. This frequency helps maintain a consistently updated view of the ISS's position as it orbits Earth roughly every 90 minutes.
   
   2. HTTP Request — Fetching Real-Time Location Data
   
   Next, the HTTP Request node calls the Where The ISS At API — a free, open-to-use API that returns the real-time geolocation data of the ISS. The endpoint used is:
   
   https://api.wheretheiss.at/v1/satellites/25544/positions
   
   In this call, we append the current timestamp to the query string to receive the most recent positional data available. By using JavaScript's Date.now() function, the workflow ensures accurate and timely data synchronization.
   
   3. Set Node — Structuring the Data
   
   The Set node restructures and filters the fetched data to include only required parameters: latitude, longitude, and timestamp. This simplifies and standardizes the output for future processing by ensuring only the key pieces of information are passed forward.
   
   Here’s what the Set node is configured to extract:
   - Latitude
   - Longitude
   - Timestamp
   
   This format provides a lightweight structure that’s easy to compare and process further.
   
   4. Function Node — Deduplicating the Data
   
   The final piece in the workflow puzzle is the Function node, where a simple JavaScript block eliminates redundant timestamp entries. Here’s how it works:
   
   - It first accesses persistent static data from the workflow.
   - It iterates through the incoming data array in reverse.
   - If a previously saved timestamp matches any of the fetched items, it breaks the loop.
   - Only new data points (i.e., new timestamps) are passed forward.
   - It then updates the stored static data with the current timestamps to retain a memory across workflow runs.
   
   Essentially, this node ensures that only previously unseen data is processed further or logged, preventing duplication and maintaining a clean stream of unique positional updates.
   
   Efficient Data Handling with Persistent State
   
   One standout aspect of this workflow is the use of getWorkflowStaticData. This method stores timestamps persistently across executions, making it possible to compare future entries against historical data. By doing so, the workflow avoids duplicate entries, a common pain point in time-based data polling operations. This improves both performance and accuracy while reducing unnecessary downstream processing.
   
   The Bigger Picture: Extending the Workflow
   
   Although the workflow described here ends at the function node, it can easily be extended with other n8n integrations:
   - Push new coordinates to a dashboard with Webhook or Google Sheets.
   - Send live location updates via email or messaging apps like Telegram.
   - Feed data into a PostGIS database for geo-visualization and spatial analysis.
   
   Conclusion
   
   This n8n workflow showcases a clever and practical use of open-source automation to track the International Space Station in real time. It emphasizes best practices such as deduplication, persistent state management, and lean data handling. And thanks to n8n’s visual builder, setting this up takes just a few nodes and some light scripting.
   
   So, whether you're following the ISS for educational purposes, data visualization, or just space geekery — this workflow has you covered, automatically and effortlessly.
   
   Stay tuned to the stars — one node at a time!

5. Set credentials for each API node (keys, OAuth) in Credentials.
6. Run a test via Execute Workflow. Inspect Run Data, then adjust parameters.
7. Enable the workflow to run on schedule, webhook, or triggers as configured.

Tips: keep secrets in credentials, add retries and timeouts on HTTP nodes, implement error notifications, and paginate large API fetches.

Validation: use IF/Code nodes to sanitize inputs and guard against empty payloads.

Why Automate This with AI Agents

AI‑assisted automations offload repetitive, error‑prone tasks to a predictable workflow. Instead of manual copy‑paste and ad‑hoc scripts, your team gets a governed pipeline with versioned state, auditability, and observable runs.

n8n’s node graph makes data flow transparent while AI‑powered enrichment (classification, extraction, summarization) boosts throughput and consistency. Teams reclaim time, reduce operational costs, and standardize best practices without sacrificing flexibility.

Compared to one‑off integrations, an AI agent is easier to extend: swap APIs, add filters, or bolt on notifications without rewriting everything. You get reliability, control, and a faster path from idea to production.

Best Practices

• Credentials: restrict scopes and rotate tokens regularly.
• Resilience: configure retries, timeouts, and backoff for API nodes.
• Data Quality: validate inputs; normalize fields early to reduce downstream branching.
• Performance: batch records and paginate for large datasets.
• Observability: add failure alerts (Email/Slack) and persistent logs for auditing.
• Security: avoid sensitive data in logs; use environment variables and n8n credentials.

FAQs

Can I swap integrations later? Yes. Replace or add nodes and re‑map fields without rebuilding the whole flow.

How do I monitor failures? Use Execution logs and add notifications on the Error Trigger path.

Does it scale? Use queues, batching, and sub‑workflows to split responsibilities and control load.

Is my data safe? Keep secrets in Credentials, restrict token scopes, and review access logs.