Node 3 / Tranquility & Cupola

Launch data: Designation  10004x Launch date - time  08 Feb 2010 - 09:14 UT Launch site  KSC, LC39A Launch vehicle  Space Shuttle Endeavour #24 Mass (kg)   kg Mission  ESA ISS Component

The European-built Node 3 during ground-based processing.

Spacecraft data: Prime contractor   Operator   Mass Node 3  13004 kg Mass with Cupola  16500 kg Basic shape  Cylindrical Dimension (m)  4.5m dia, 7m long Solar array  none Stabilization   DC power

Description:

• The European-built Node-3, called Tranquility, is the final of the three ISS nodes which are the interconnecting elements between the various pressurized modules on the International Space Station. It consists of a pressurized cylindrical hull 4.5 meters diameter, 7 meters long and weigh with the Cupola more than 16.5 tons. Node 3 housed on its nadir side the Cupola, a 3-meter in diameter and 1.5-meter high dome-shaped module with windows that is the panoramic control tower for ISS. The Cupola (photo) is an observation and work area through which operations on the outside of the station can be observed and guided. It served as a robotic control station with six windows around its sides and a seventh in the center.

Mission details:

• Attached to ISS' Unity module on February 12, 2010 between 5h56 and 6h20 UT.
  
  

  Inside Cupola

  ISS after STS-130

  
  
  
  Credit: NASA