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NASA Astronauts To Open New Space Station Windows

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the no-blue-screens-on-those-windows dept.

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."

79 comments

  1. Already opened? by MilesTails · · Score: 5, Informative

    Catch up slashdot. According to this article they are already open. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8518744.stm

    1. Re:Already opened? by MilesTails · · Score: 1

      Catch up slashdot. According to this article they are already open. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8518744.stm

      Disregard this parent needs to learn to read.

    2. Re:Already opened? by sarahbau · · Score: 1

      No. You were correct. Soichi tweeted at about 7am this morning with a picture of all windows open - http://twitpic.com/13qfse

    3. Re:Already opened? by dlgeek · · Score: 1

      If you look at the video in the article he posted, it shows the windows opening and you can see astronauts inside the station looking out.

    4. Re:Already opened? by MilesTails · · Score: 1

      Yeah that's what I original thought, but then the article says they are only preparing it. Mismatch reporting makes me a sad panda :(

    5. Re:Already opened? by Lodragandraoidh · · Score: 1

      Is it just me, or doesn't that look like the interior of a Tie-Fighter?

      --

      Lodragan Draoidh
      The more you explain it, the more I don't understand it. - Mark Twain
    6. Re:Already opened? by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 1

      Almost. There's no exploding X-wing in its sights and no dying pilots screaming on the intercom.

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
    7. Re:Already opened? by Ihmhi · · Score: 1

      The second commenter on that picture says:

      STAR WARS

      (I full well expect Slashcode to completely mess up the Japanese.)

      I'm still learning my Japanese but from what I gather the guy is saying that it looks like the cockpit of a TIE fighter, which it does.

      --
      Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)
  2. Floating in space by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 1

    We need a space station on the moon.

    1. Re:Floating in space by spun · · Score: 3, Funny

      That's no moon...

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    2. Re:Floating in space by aquabat · · Score: 1

      Yo dawg, we heard you like space stations, so we put a space station on your space station, so you can work in space while you work in space!

      --
      A republic cannot succeed till it contains a certain body of men imbued with the principles of justice and honour.
  3. already done by Speare · · Score: 3, Informative

    I realized I hadn't seen any photos of the new bay so I hit Google News for a search. I know the likes of AOL and USA Today are derided for their superficial news coverage, but the first story had what I wanted: a photo of the new bay.

    AOL News on Tranquility Bay Window

    As it turns out, the image was taken AFTER the windows were already opened. First thought: stale stories on Slashdot, no surprise there. Second thought: where is the Emperor's chair? I know George Lucas is having fun with the design on that new bay window.

    --
    [ .sig file not found ]
  4. Might want to rethink this. by sunking2 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Opening the windows hardly seems like an ideal thing to do. The tiltable easy clean windows may have sounded like a great idea but really aren't all that practical.

    1. Re:Might want to rethink this. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sure they are. Opening the windows just so happens to also clean all the ducts, AND the carpets.

      It's a real labor-saving innovation!

    2. Re:Might want to rethink this. by NEDHead · · Score: 1

      Hopefully they have screens to keep out the space bugs

    3. Re:Might want to rethink this. by Moheeheeko · · Score: 1

      maybe the next experiment is to discover the properties of windex in a zero g environmeent.

    4. Re:Might want to rethink this. by mcgrew · · Score: 1

      Well, sometimes you need to let a little breeze in... I mean, out.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    5. Re:Might want to rethink this. by Hurricane78 · · Score: 1

      Base: What is the temperature inside the module?
      ISS: About 290.4 degrees Kelvin.
      Base: And what is the temperature outside?
      ISS: About 2.7 degrees Kelvin.
      Base: OK, then open the windows, and let the other 2.7 degrees in, too.

      --
      Any sufficiently advanced intelligence is indistinguishable from stupidity.
    6. Re:Might want to rethink this. by GooberToo · · Score: 1

      Fact: Whenever anyone mentions "facts", you know he tries to shove his dogmas down your throat.

      There, fixed that for you.

    7. Re:Might want to rethink this. by formfeed · · Score: 1

      It is an international space station, duh. Therefor, no tilting or sliding windows. But good hinged windows, that open to the inside.

  5. "Already" as in "yesterday" by BhaKi · · Score: 1

    Your link says "they prepared the module's new observation deck for its first opening". Yesterday, preparations only. Today, opened.

    --
    The largest prime factor of my UID is 263267.
  6. Just letting in some fresh air? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I don't think opening the windows on the space station is a good idea. I'm sure the station gets a little stuffy after awhile, but this is not the right way to let in some fresh air.

  7. Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by Locke2005 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Plus, you can always use the classic line, "Hey! I can see your house from here!" Now if I could just get an attractive female to accompany to the ISS and into the cupola (without my wife finding out!)

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
    1. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't worry about getting an attractive female...

      Worry about your wife finding out you don't think she is attractive.

    2. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by jimbobborg · · Score: 1

      At this point, I'll be more than happy to take your wife up there.

    3. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The point at which that'll change is when you see his wife!

    4. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by mcgrew · · Score: 1, Informative

      Now if I could just get an attractive female to accompany to the ISS and into the cupola (without my wife finding out!)

      Your wife isn't an attractive female? Dude, I fear your marriage won't last long. Not because she's ugly but because you're a philanderer. Nothing ruins a marriage like adultery.

      I suggest you start shopping for an attorney right now, because if she sees that comment you're going to lose your house, car, kids, dog, and about everything else.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    5. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by Kugrian · · Score: 1

      Oh, that's about as funny as a screen door on a battleship.

    6. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by Nadaka · · Score: 1

      Personally I would rather get my wife and another attractive female there with me. More fun for everyone.

    7. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by saider · · Score: 1

      It's "screen door on a submarine," you dork.

      --


      Remember, You are unique...just like everyone else.
    8. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by EchaniDrgn · · Score: 1

      You sound like an idiot when you say it wrong.

      Now, make like a tree... and get out of here!

    9. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by DerekLyons · · Score: 1

      Well, mine is attractive me. I don't particularly care what other people think.

    10. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      Why don't you make like a tree and get out of here.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    11. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by turing_m · · Score: 1

      I think he was trying for the funny.

      --
      If I have seen further it is by stealing the Intellectual Property of giants.
    12. Re:Talk about the ultimate makeout spot! by drkim · · Score: 1

      ...the windows of your Escalade...

  8. defying gravity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They got totally inspired by the observation room from Defying Gravity.

    1. Re:defying gravity by Volante3192 · · Score: 1

      Looks more like the front of a Tie Fighter

    2. Re:defying gravity by pushing-robot · · Score: 1

      It also reminds me a bit of the "celestial chamber" from the (original) Battlestar Galactica finale.

      --
      How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    3. Re:defying gravity by sznupi · · Score: 1

      Defying Gravity was just a horribly performed rip-off of one great docufiction - BBC Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets.

      If you want to watch it, do not get the wimpy (and with a very ironic , in the proper sense of the word, name change) US release.

      --
      One that hath name thou can not otter
  9. And I thought... by Noughmad · · Score: 1

    This was to be the year of Linux on the atmosphere-top. :)

    --
    PlusFive Slashdot reader for Android. Can post comments.
  10. Why? by repka · · Score: 1

    Why do we need complete pressurized module there? I understand that cupola is not the most expensive section of ISS, but wouldn't it make financial sense just to mount bunch of hi def cameras for this? Hell, you can go RealD 3D for this price tag.

    1. Re:Why? by Locke2005 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Cameras mounted outside would be subject to damage from micrometeorites and temperature variations, and would be difficult to maintain. Cameras mounted inside in an unpressurized environment would also be difficult to maintain; how well do precision optics and CCDs react to sudden 1 atm changes in pressure? The cost of materials for the cupola is trivial compared to the cost of transporting it into space and attaching it, so not having one would be a false economy.

      --
      I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
    2. Re:Why? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      Actually I think cameras would be much cheaper than these windows, but nowhere as cool. Despite my sig there is an element of "No Buck Rogers, no bucks" in this.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    3. Re:Why? by aXis100 · · Score: 2, 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.

    4. Re:Why? by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      Certainly.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
  11. Horrible Idea! by gailrob · · Score: 1

    Now they can't throw stones in the space station!

    1. Re:Horrible Idea! by Darth+Sdlavrot · · Score: 1

      I suppose a round of gold is completely out of the question too.

    2. Re:Horrible Idea! by Darth+Sdlavrot · · Score: 1

      s/gold/golf/

  12. Not anymore by www.sorehands.com · · Score: 1

    Once they open the windows, the module will not be pressurized.

    --
    Fight Spammers!
  13. Space Station Tanning room perhaps? by realsilly · · Score: 1

    Are those windows tinted to help keep out those pesky UV rays? Or are the astronauts trying to catch up on their Space Station tans.

    --
    Life takes interesting turns, but the most interest is when you're off the beaten path.
  14. That confirms it. by srussia · · Score: 1

    The TIE fighter is an Empire craft.

    --
    Set your phasers on "funky"!
  15. Not a good idea... by DdJ · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think installing Windows in space is a very bad idea. I know things have improved, but even today, the main cause of all crashes that I observe has been Windows, and you do not want a space station to crash.

    Wait, what?

  16. Opening the windows... by Arancaytar · · Score: 4, Funny

    ... on a space station.

    Brilliant idea. :P

    1. Re:Opening the windows... by T+Murphy · · Score: 1

      Don't worry, I'm sure they have screens on them to keep meteors from flying in.

      --
      My webcomic
    2. Re:Opening the windows... by Kenja · · Score: 1

      Its a better idea then the refried beans turned out to be.

      --

      "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
    3. Re:Opening the windows... by Blue+Stone · · Score: 1

      Yeah ... what's next, the space patio?

      (At least the space patio heaters won't contribute to global warming).

      --
      Corporation, n. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility. - Ambrose Bierce
    4. Re:Opening the windows... by Hurricane78 · · Score: 1

      Will it result in a blue... face? ;)

      --
      Any sufficiently advanced intelligence is indistinguishable from stupidity.
    5. Re:Opening the windows... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They have been cooped up for a long time, they have to let the stink out.

  17. Here's a better picture (from the source) by mcgrew · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here is the NASA full size photo. It's today's NASA Image of the Day.

    --
    Free Martian Whores!
    1. Re:Here's a better picture (from the source) by srollyson · · Score: 3, Informative

      Here is a picture of them putting it into position via robotic arm. Here's another picture of the spacewalk installation.

  18. Breaking News: New moon spotted in Earth orbit. by gimmebeer · · Score: 1

    Oh wait, that's just Yuri's ass. Yuri put your damn pants back on and get back to work. Crazy Russians always screwing around.

    1. Re:Breaking News: New moon spotted in Earth orbit. by mjwx · · Score: 1

      Crack found in ISS window.

      --
      Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
  19. Top? by hardburn · · Score: 1

    What is this "top" you're talking about? Would that be the side that isn't the enemy's gate?

    --
    Not a typewriter
  20. "open" seems a bad word by JerryLove · · Score: 1

    I assume they mean "uncover", not "open".

    1. Re:"open" seems a bad word by Volante3192 · · Score: 1

      Yeah, just mentally replace it with either 'open the shutters' or 'uncover the windows'.

  21. Let the sun shine... by Qubit · · Score: 1

    let the sun shine...

    the sun shine in.

    --

    coding is life /* the rest is */
  22. This Old Space Station by fred+fleenblat · · Score: 1

    No joke here, I just like saying "This Old Space Station"

  23. this actually seems to mean "open the shutters" by YesIAmAScript · · Score: 2, 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?

    --
    http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
  24. Would this be an appropriate place for a..... by Grendel70 · · Score: 1

    Whoosh

    --
    Perhaps you mean a different thing than I do when you say "science."
  25. I'll bet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    its gonna be a PITA to clean the outside surface of the windows every year.

  26. Open windows? by woodengod · · Score: 0

    Space toilet broken again?

  27. Suspicious resemblance (!)... by Xinvoker · · Score: 1

    http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/427089main_cupola_full.jpg looks suspiciously like http://www.st-v-sw.net/images/Wars/Episodes/ANH/DVD4-weaponrange-002.jpg http://zurich.disneyresearch.com/~wjarosz/gallery/1996/images/xwing6.jpg Reality imitates art! ;)

  28. Polish Space Agency by jpmorgan · · Score: 1

    The ISS is truly an international endeavour. Witness a fine contribution from the Polish Space Agency!

  29. this will end in tears by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If they couldn't get the dimensions of the windows right why would you trust them to get the structural integrity?

  30. You laugh now, but COUNT the Windows there... by d474 · · Score: 1

    I count 7 windows. So the headline could read, "Nasa Installs Windows 7 on the ISS," and scare the crap out of the world.

    --
    Authority questions you. Return the favor.
  31. Video from inside (!) by trippw · · Score: 1

    Here's some video from inside the cupola. Did anyone know that this thing was supposed to be named "Colbert" not "Tranquility". Funny. Colbert got the treadmill.

  32. nolife by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Slashdot Science Story | NASA Astronaut To Open The Space Station Window

    http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2184/issnerds.png

  33. Please tag this story by Zoxed · · Score: 1

    Opening windows in space: tag this what-could-possibly-go-wrong !