A seven-windowed control tower and a 5.7 million mile journey
In short: In February 2010, the space shuttle Endeavour completed its 32nd trip to the International Space Station. This mission wasn't just another transit; it delivered the final U.S. module of that era, providing astronauts with a new vantage point and a critical upgrade to their life support systems.
The STS-130 mission, which launched on February 8, 2010, from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, was defined by the delivery of two major components: the Tranquility node and the cupola. The Tranquility module was the final U.S.-built piece for the station's primary structure during this phase. Its name was selected from thousands of public suggestions submitted via a NASA website titled "Help Name Node 3." Attached to this node is the cupola, a distinctive observation deck featuring seven windows. While it offers an unparalleled view of Earth, it also serves a functional role as a control room for robotics operations. The crew included Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts. They were joined by four Mission Specialists. This specific flight was the 32nd shuttle mission to reach the station.
During their 13-day, 18-hour trip, three spacewalks were conducted by the team to move the station's regenerative life support system into a new module and assist with installations. The mission concluded with a safe landing at Kennedy Space Center on February 21, 2010. The success of the operation was marked by a congratulatory call from President Obama to both the Endeavour crew and the Expedition 22 team aboard the ISS. This transition represented a significant milestone in station architecture, moving the outpost toward greater autonomy and expanded observational capabilities. The shuttle met up with the orbiting outpost two days after liftoff. The hatches opened as they passed over Australia's northwest coast. Cargo transfers began immediately from the payload bay.
The shuttle traveled approximately 5.7 million miles during its mission, maintaining an altitude of 122 nautical miles at an inclination of 51.6 degrees. The mission lasted exactly 13 days, 18 hours, 6 minutes, and 24 seconds. The landing occurred at 10:20 p.m. EST on February 21.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: STS-130 Crew's Return, President's Call Top This Week @ NASA
- Also: STS-130 - NASA
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