NASA Astronauts To Open New Space Station Windows 79
coondoggie writes "After some fancy robotic crane work over the past couple days, NASA Endeavour astronauts are preparing for tonight's final spacewalk where they will open the windows on the space station's sweet new dome-shaped observatory. The cupola observatory module is considered the ultimate observation deck. It is attached to an Earth-facing side of the International Space Station and has seven windows — six around the sides and one on top — that can be shuttered when not in use to protect them from micrometeoroids and the harsh space environment."
this actually seems to mean "open the shutters" (Score:3, Insightful)
If I open the shutters, I can now see through the windows. If I open the windows, it lets air circulate in and out (and boy will it!). This appears to be opening the shutters to expose the windows, correct?
Re:Why? (Score:3, Insightful)
Cameras would be no-where near as effective on the moralle of the crew. A nice viewing platform like this where you can use your peripheral vision could really reduce some of the claustrophobic feelings on the ISS.