KSC-2009-6132

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-130 crew participate in a bench review, standard familiarization training on the hardware and equipment that will fly on their mission, during the crew equipment interface test. From left are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson and Kathryn "Kay" Hire, Commander George Zamka and Pilot Terry Virts Jr. Tranquility, the payload for the STS-130 mission, is a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the International Space Station's life support systems. The module was built for the European Space Agency by Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy. The cupola, a unique work station with six windows on its sides and one on top, is attached to the end of Tranquility. It resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. Just under 10 feet in diameter, the module will accommodate two crew members and portable workstations that can control station and robotic activities. 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. Endeavour is targeted to launch Feb. 4, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett