NASA Astronauts To Open New Space Station Windows

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."

Comments

Already opened?

[MilesTails]

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

already done

[Speare]

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.

Might want to rethink this.

[sunking2]

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.

Talk about the ultimate makeout spot!

[Locke2005]

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!)

Not a good idea...

[DdJ]

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?

Opening the windows...

[Arancaytar]

... on a space station.

Brilliant idea. :P

Re:Why?

[Locke2005]

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.

Here's a better picture (from the source)

[mcgrew]

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

Re:Here's a better picture (from the source)

[srollyson]

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

Re:Floating in space

[spun]

That's no moon...

this actually seems to mean "open the shutters"

[YesIAmAScript]

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?

[aXis100]

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.