ISS Cupola: The Window to the World

[Faline]

The Cupola is an ESA-built observatory module of the International Space Station (ISS). Its seven windows are used to conduct experiments, dockings and observations of Earth. It was launched aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-130 on 8 February 2010 and attached to the Tranquility (Node 3) module. The Cupola’s 80 cm (31 in) window is the largest ever used in space.
Its name derives from the Italian word cupola, which means “dome”. It is extremely important to the ISS astronauts, as previously they have been confined to looking out of small portholes or at best the 20-inch (50 cm) window in the US Destiny laboratory.
Specifications
*Overall height: 1.5-metre (4.9 ft)
*Maximum diameter: 2.95-metre (9.68 ft)
*Launch mass: 1,805-kilogram (3,979 lb)
*On Orbit mass: 1,880-kilogram (4,145 lb)
*Dome: Forged Al 2219-T851
*Skirt: Al 2219-T851
*Windows: Fused silica and borosilicate glass
*MDPS shutters: DuPont Kevlar/3M Nextel sheets
*Electrical power: Node 120 V Interface
*Top window: 80-centimetre (31 in) diameter
*Thermal control: goldised Kapton multi-layer insulation blanket
Below you will find a gallery of NASA photos from the Cupola. It’s offers the ultimate view of our beautiful planet and is one that only a select few have had the privilege of witnessing.

http://www.nasa.gov/

[Viking64]

Awesome!!!

[kellyhound]

awesome sight

[Sharon]

Truly astounding

[BLACKOUTx4500x]

I really really like that last picture.

[Photoplay]

Always wondered what being on top of the world would look like. ~spectacular.~