Window on the World

The space shuttle crew is saying goodbye to the space station astronauts tonight. They have completed their mission.

Here's a picture of the new window on the world that they installed on the space station. What a beautiful view they must have of earth!

The space station is special. Many countries have made parts to build it. The United States and Russia have built most of the pieces. Canada added a mobile robotic arm. Italy built the new window on the world.

Would you like to make your own space station? It's fun! Go to http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/International_Space_Station_Bookmark.pdf

Photo courtesy NASA.

NASA Launches STS-130

Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off very early this morning. It was a beautiful launch!

The space shuttle is loaded with equipment for the international space station. The astronauts will put a new room on the space station. The room will hold exercise equipment and other things.

The astronauts will also put on the new Cupola, a room of windows. From the new windows, astronauts will be able to see all around the space station. It will help with future space walks. The astronauts will also be able to see our beautiful earth, moon, and stars.

Do you like to make paper airplanes? NASA has an easy model of the space shuttle for you to build. Just go to http://www.aiaa.org/kidsplace/kidsplacepdfs/Space_Shuttle_Glider.pdf

To learn more about STS-130, go to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html.

Photo courtesy NASA.