International Space Station Cupola Video Released 70
quaith writes "With the Space Shuttle Endeavour scheduled to launch at 4:39 AM EST on Sunday for a trip to the International Space Station, the European Space Agency has released a video that shows how the modules it's carrying — Node-3 ('Tranquility') and Cupola — are going to get attached. Node-3 is a connecting module. Cupola has six trapezoidal windows and circular roof designed to provide a unique vantage-point for observing Earth. The video animations show how the station's robotic arm will be used initially to put the modules in place as a single unit, and then to detach Cupola from the end of Node-3 and reattach it on the Earth-facing side. With this addition, the ISS will start to look like something that Jules Verne would have wanted to visit."
I want a room with a view (Score:4, Interesting)
and that looks like it delivers. Interesting idea to forge the frame from a single piece of aluminum... definitely saved some weight on a bunch more seals...
Re:"We want a window!" (Score:5, Interesting)
and cancel the Aries rocket and manned space exploration.
We can always do manned space exploration with the Delta IV Heavy and Atlas V Heavy. And since NASA will be using commercial vehicles, they'll help the US develop space instead of being the usual obstacle.
www.esa.int (Score:4, Interesting)
I like the use of the .int top-level-domain.