NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Ultimate Room with a View

In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronauts Terry Virts, left, and Charles Hobaugh familiarize themselves with the placement and operation of the robotic workstation inside the International Space Station's Cupola module. The module was delivered by the European Space Agency to Kennedy in 2004.

Cupola will provide unprecedented views of activities outside the station and spectacular views of the Earth. Crew members working inside the module will have a 360-degree panoramic view. Command and control workstations can be installed to assist with the space station remote manipulator system and extra vehicular activities. Cupola is the final element of the space station core and is scheduled for launch on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission.

Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
July 31, 2008