Most ISS images are nadir, in which the center point of the image is directly beneath the lens of the camera, but this one is not. This highly oblique image of northwestern African captures the curvature of the Earth and shows its atmosphere. The Earth's atmosphere is composed of 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and 1 percent other constituents, and it shields us from nearly all harmful radiation coming from the sun and other stars. It also protects us from meteors, most of which burn up before they can strike the planet. Affected by changes in solar activity, the upper atmosphere contributes to weather and climate on Earth. Image Credit: NASA/JPL/UCSD/JSC
Date
11/3/08
TIROS' First Look
The first photo of Earth fro
…
4/2/09
Description
The first photo of Earth from a weather satellite, taken by the TIROS-1 satellite on April 1, 1960. Early photographs provided new information on cloud systems, including spiral formations associated with large storms, immediately proving their value to meteorologists.
Date
4/2/09
Earth at Night
This composite image, which
…
4/2/09
Description
This composite image, which has become a popular poster, shows a global view of Earth at night, compiled from over 400 satellite images. NASA researchers have used these images of nighttime lights to study weather around urban areas.
Date
4/2/09
Robot Over the Horizon
The Space Shuttle Endeavour'
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4/2/09
Description
The Space Shuttle Endeavour's robotic arm hovers over Earth's horizon, backdropped by a starburst from the Sun. This photo was taken during the STS-77 shuttle mission in 1996.
Date
4/2/09
Crew Module, Launch Abort Sy
…
Ares I-X simulated crew modu
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01/30/09
Description
Ares I-X simulated crew module and launch abort system flight hardware arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This hardware will complete the nose of the rocket. Nearly 150 sensors on the hardware will measure aerodynamic pressure and temperature at the nose of the rocket and contribute to measurements of vehicle acceleration and angle of attack. The data will help NASA understand whether the design is safe and stable in flight, a question that must be answered before astronauts begin traveling into orbit and beyond. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
Date
01/30/09
Ares I-X Coming Together
The Ares I-X launch abort sy
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01/30/09
Description
The Ares I-X launch abort system (LAS) simulator joins rocket elements from NASA Glenn in the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. The 53-foot (16.15-meter) LAS, along with the crew module (CM) simulator will make up the nose of Ares I-X. The LAS and CM simulators were designed and built at NASA Langley Research Center. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
Date
01/30/09
Ares I-X Coming Together
The Ares I-X launch abort sy
…
01/30/09
Description
The Ares I-X launch abort system (LAS) simulator joins rocket elements from NASA Glenn in the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. The 53-foot (16.15-meter) LAS, along with the crew module (CM) simulator will make up the nose of Ares I-X. The LAS and CM simulators were designed and built at NASA Langley Research Center. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
Date
01/30/09
Ares I-X Coming Together
The Ares I-X launch abort sy
…
01/30/09
Description
The Ares I-X launch abort system (LAS) simulator joins rocket elements from NASA Glenn in the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. The 53-foot (16.15-meter) LAS, along with the crew module (CM) simulator will make up the nose of Ares I-X. The LAS and CM simulators were designed and built at NASA Langley Research Center. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
Date
01/30/09
Ares I-X Coming Together
Sunrise at NASA's Kennedy Sp
…
01/30/09
Description
Sunrise at NASA's Kennedy Space Center the day the Ares I-X crew module and launch abort system simulators arrived from NASA Langley. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith
Date
01/30/09
Eclipse View from the ISS
The International Space Stat
…
6/9/08
Description
The International Space Station (ISS) was in position to view the umbral (ground) shadow cast by the moon as it moved between Earth and the sun during a solar eclipse on March 29, 2006. This astronaut image captures the umbral shadow across southern Turkey, northern Cyprus and the Mediterranean Sea. Credit: NASA
Date
6/9/08
Total Eclipse of the Sun
On December 3, 2002, people
…
6/9/08
Description
On December 3, 2002, people in Australia received a rare 32-second celestial show as the moon completely obscured the sun, creating a ring of light. Solar eclipses provide experts an opportunity to study the sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona. This total eclipse was the first to cover Australian shores since 1976. The next is not predicted to occur for several more decades. While people in Australia were observing the solar eclipse, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft also had its eye on the sun. From its unique vantage point in space, scientists have been able to monitor the explosions on the sun that can impact us here on Earth. This image combines a photograph of the solar eclipse (showing the halo-like corona) with data taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope instrument aboard SOHO (showing the green inner regions). Image credit: NASA/ESA Text credit: NASA's Earth Observatory
Date
6/9/08
2008 Solar Eclipse at Totali
…
This image shows the Aug. 1,
…
8/6/08
Description
This image shows the Aug. 1, 2008, solar eclipse at the point of totality, when the moon completely blocks out the body of the sun, revealing the normally hidden, halo-like corona. Credit: The Exploratorium
Date
8/6/08
2008 Solar Eclipse Diamond R
…
This "diamond ring" image sh
…
8/6/08
Description
This "diamond ring" image shows the Aug. 1, 2008, solar eclipse at a point when the moon almost completely covered up the body of the sun. Credit: The Exploratorium
Date
8/6/08
Surrounded
After landing various vehicl
…
6/17/08
Description
After landing various vehicles and equipment surround space shuttle Discovery on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
Prepare to Disembark
Space shuttle Discovery is p
…
6/17/08
Description
Space shuttle Discovery is purged -- providing cool and humidified air conditioning to the payload bay and other cavities to remove any residual explosive or toxic fumes 'Ú__…__ while still on the runway. Cooling transfer to ground services occurs at about the same time, allowing onboard cooling to be shut down. When it is determined that the area in and around the orbiter is safe, the crew prepares for departure from the orbiter. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
Homecoming Tribute
The STS-124 crew members wer
…
6/23/08
Description
The STS-124 crew members were welcomed home to Houston June 15, 2008, following the landing of space shuttle Discovery in Florida on June 14. NASA's Johnson Space Center Director Michael L. Coats introduced the crew to a large crowd on hand at Ellington Field near Johnson. From the second left are Mark Kelly, commander, Ken Ham, pilot, Karen Nyberg, Ron Garan, Mike Fossum, Akihiko Hoshide and Garrett Reisman, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA/JSC June 15, 2008
Date
6/23/08
Back to the Beginning
Space shuttle Discovery is t
…
6/17/08
Description
Space shuttle Discovery is towed into bay No. 3 at the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center where the vehicle will be processed and prepared for a future flight. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
We're Back!
The STS-124 mission crew add
…
6/17/08
Description
The STS-124 mission crew addresses the media after landing aboard space shuttle Discovery. From left are Pilot Ken Ham, Mission Specialists Karen Nyberg and Akihiko Hoshide, Commander Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Mike Fossum and Ron Garan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
Take it Away!
With umbilical lines still a
…
6/17/08
Description
With umbilical lines still attached, space shuttle Discovery is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
Final Check-Up
The STS-124 mission crew mem
…
6/17/08
Description
The STS-124 mission crew members head for their traditional walk-around space shuttle Discovery. At left is Pilot Ken Ham, in center is Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg, followed by Mission Specialists Akihiko Hoshide and Ron Garan. At right are Mission Specialist Mike Fossum and Commander Mark Kelly. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflet June 14, 2008
Date
6/17/08
Journey's End
At the Shuttle Landing Facil
…
12/15/08
Description
At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, passengers disembark from the shuttle carrier aircraft that ferried space shuttle Endeavour back to the space center. Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Dec. 12, 2008
Date
12/15/08
Getting a Tow
The shuttle carrier aircraft
…
12/15/08
Description
The shuttle carrier aircraft and space shuttle Endeavour are towed toward the mate/demate device in the background. The device will be used to lift the shuttle from the top of the carrier. Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Dec. 12, 2008
Date
12/15/08
Ready to Lift
After dark at the Shuttle La
…
12/16/08
Description
After dark at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is attached to the sling that will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft underneath. Image credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann Dec. 12, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Up and Away
Before dawn at the Shuttle L
…
12/16/08
Description
Before dawn at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour has been lifted away from the shuttle carrier aircraft. Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight. Image credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann Dec. 13, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Wheels Down
After sunrise at the Shuttle
…
12/16/08
Description
After sunrise at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the wheels on space shuttle Endeavour are lowered before its move to the Orbiter Processing Facility. A diesel-powered tractor will tow Endeavour two miles to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission. Image credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann Dec. 13, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Rolling Along
Attached to a diesel-powered
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12/16/08
Description
Attached to a diesel-powered tractor, space shuttle Endeavour is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Image credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller Dec. 13, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Journey's Last Leg
With the large Vehicle Assem
…
12/16/08
Description
With the large Vehicle Assembly Building in the distance, space shuttle Endeavour nears the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protected the main engines during the ferry flight from California. Image credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller Dec. 13, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Gantry Revealed
The gantry on Launch Pad 17-
…
3/8/09
Description
The gantry on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida shows the various logos of NASA's Kepler spacecraft launch. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller March 6, 2009
Date
3/8/09
Tower Rolls Away
The Delta II 7925 rocket sta
…
3/8/09
Description
The Delta II 7925 rocket stands ready for launch following rollback of the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Atop the rocket is NASA's Kepler spacecraft. Kepler will survey more than 100,000 stars in our galaxy. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller March 6, 2009
Date
3/8/09
On Launch Pad 17-B
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape C
…
3/2/09
Description
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first half of the fairing is moved into place around NASA's Kepler spacecraft, atop the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. The fairing is a molded structure that fits flush with the outside surface of the rocket and forms an aerodynamically smooth nose cone, protecting the spacecraft during launch and ascent. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Date
3/2/09
Kepler Leaves Astrotech
NASA's Kepler spacecraft, en
…
2/20/09
Description
NASA's Kepler spacecraft, enclosed in a canister and protective cover, leaves the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. Kepler is being moved to Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.The liftoff of Kepler aboard a Delta II rocket is currently targeted for 10:48 p.m. EST March 5 from Pad 17-B. Kepler is designed to survey more than 100,000 stars in our galaxy to determine the number of sun-like stars that have Earth-size and larger planets, including those that lie in a star's "habitable zone," a region where liquid water, and perhaps life, could exist. If these Earth-size worlds do exist around stars like our sun, Kepler is expected to be the first to find them and the first to measure how common they are. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller. Feb. 19, 2009
Date
2/20/09
Hang Time
Before dawn at the Shuttle L
…
12/16/08
Description
Before dawn at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is suspended by a sling under the mate/demate device. The shuttle carrier aircraft, visible in the background, has rolled away. Image credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann Dec. 13, 2008
Date
12/16/08
Going Their Separate Ways
The shuttle carrier aircraft
…
12/15/08
Description
The shuttle carrier aircraft with space shuttle Endeavour on top are poised to enter the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The device is used to remove the shuttle from the top of the carrier aircraft. Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Dec. 12, 2008
Date
12/15/08
Standing Tall
After rollback of the mobile
…
3/8/09
Description
After rollback of the mobile service tower on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B, in Florida, NASA's Kepler spacecraft sits poised for launch atop the United Launch Alliance Delta II 7925 rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett March 6, 2009
Date
3/8/09
Kepler Launches
A Delta II rocket carrying N
…
3/9/09
Description
A Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Kepler spacecraft rises through the exhaust cloud created by the firing of the rocket's engines. Liftoff was on time at 10:49 p.m. EST. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall, Tom Farrar March 6, 2009
Date
3/9/09
Delta Erupts
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape C
…
3/9/09
Description
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, exhaust clouds cascade around the base of a Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Kepler spacecraft as the rocketÔò__É_Œs engines ignite. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell March 6, 2009
Date
3/9/09
Engines Light
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape C
…
3/9/09
Description
On Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the engines on Flames erupt from the base of a Delta II rocket as it carris the Kepler observatory into space. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray
Date
3/9/09
Delta Soars
United Launch Alliance's Del
…
3/9/09
Description
United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket roars into the night sky carrying NASA's Kepler spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller March 6, 2009
Date
3/9/09
Ready to Roar
A Delta II rocket with NASA'
…
3/9/09
Description
A Delta II rocket with NASA's Kepler spacecraft aboard is bathed in light on Launch Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida prior to launch. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller March 6, 2009
Date
3/9/09
Special Delivery
The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft
…
1/6/09
Description
The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arriving at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Image credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB Nov. 4, 2008
Date
1/6/09
Liftoff!
NASA's Orbiting Carbon Obser
…
2/25/09
Description
NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory and its Taurus booster lift off Feb. 24 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 4:55 a.m. EST. The satellite ultimately did not reach orbit when the payload fairing failed to separate properly. Image courtesy of Orbital Sciences Corp. Feb. 24, 2009
Date
2/25/09
Sunset Silhouette
A sunset silhouette of the T
…
2/24/09
Description
A sunset silhouette of the Taurus XL rocket with NASA's OCO satellite aboard sits poised for launch on Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.</br></br> Image credit: NASA/Analex Randy Beaudoin</br> Feb. 23, 2009
Date
2/24/09
At the Ready
On Launch Complex 576-E at V
…
2/20/09
Description
On Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, has been erected atop Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL rocket for launch. Image credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin Feb. 19, 2009
Date
2/20/09
Taurus Stands Tall
NASA's Orbiting Carbon Obser
…
2/20/09
Description
NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, OCO, upper stack is lowered onto the Stage 0 motor of Orbital Sciences' Taurus XL vehicle. The vehicle and spacecraft will launch from Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Image credit: NASA/Richard Nielsen Feb. 19, 2009
Date
2/20/09
OSTM Tilted to Position
Inside the Astrotech process
…
5/21/08
Description
Inside the Astrotech processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft is lifted to a near-45-degree angle on the tilt dolly. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. April 30,2008 Photo credit: NASA/Mark Mackley
Date
5/21/08
Delta Reaches Launch Pad
At Vandenberg Air Force Base
…
5/21/08
Description
At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage for the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft arrives on Space Launch Complex 2. The first stage will be raised to vertical and lifted into the mobile service tower (behind it, at left). The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. April 25, 2008 Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti
Date
5/21/08
Delta Lifted Onto Pad
At Vandenberg Air Force Base
…
5/21/08
Description
At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Delta II first stage is being raised to a vertical position in front of the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2. Once it is vertical, the first stage will be transferred into the tower. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15.April 25, 2008 Photo credit: NASA/Dan Liberotti
Date
5/21/08
OSTM Taken Off Plane
The shipping container with
…
5/21/08
Description
The shipping container with the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft inside is offloaded from the aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OSTM, or Ocean Topography Mission, on the Jason-2 satellite is a follow-on to Jason-1. It will take oceanographic studies of sea surface height into an operational mode for continued climate forecasting research and science and industrial applications. This satellite altimetry data will help determine ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. OSTM is a joint effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, France's Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales and the European Meteorological Satellite Organisation. OSTM/Jason-2 will be launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320 from Vandenberg on June 15. April 29, 2008 Photo credit: NASA/Steve Greenberg, JPL
Date
5/21/08
Tower Rollback
The mobile tower, surroundin
…
6/20/08
Description
The mobile tower, surrounding the Delta II launch vehicle supporting the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft, is rolled back. Photo credit: Carleton Bailie/United Launch Alliance June 20, 2008
Date
6/20/08
Moon over the Cape
Under a waning moon at Cape
…
6/3/08
Description
Under a waning moon at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Delta II rocket set to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope is poised to receive the first of nine strap-on solid rocket boosters. </br></br> Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis</br> March 27, 2008
