CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload transportation canister containing the International Space Station's Node 3, named Tranquility, is lifted toward the payload changeout room in the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Operations are under way to install Tranquility in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. The primary payload for Endeavour's STS-130 mission, Tranquility is a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the International Space Station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's launch is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-1292
