CUPOLA ~ A window to the universe
A tribute to the space shuttle ENDEAVOUR

In its 25th and final flight to the International Space Station.
On Feb. 8, 2010
Endeavour shuttle mission STS 130
delivered a third connecting module to the ISS (international space station)
the Tranquility node and its Cupola,
a dome-shaped extension from Tranquility made up of seven windows.
The Cupola is a magnificent window to the world.

This art work is a tribute to the mission and my passion for science and space.
~~~
The tree of life connects by its intertwined roots, the Cupola's six windows
and the ketubah itself - The rounded seventh window.

Counterclockwise:
The unity tree - Adam and Eve
The tree of life - 'CHAIM'
Fruitful Tree
Bliss, Children, Joy
Knowledge Tree
Eternity Tree
~~~
Made by the Italian Space Agency,
the 'Cupola' is a room with a view, to be used as a control room for robotics.
a mini control tower sticking out from the Tranquility node,
as opposed to the other station windows,
which are flush with the station’s exterior.
Its seven windows – one in the center and six around the sides – will provide
the only views of the outside of the station from the inside,
in particular the Russian and Japanese sections.
And with the station just about finished, there’s more to see out there than ever.
~~~
"The ‘Cupola’, attached to the nadir side of the space station,
gives a panoramic view of our beautiful planet."
(Expedition 25 commander Doug Wheelock. )

I am floating in the Cupola with NASA Astronaut Commander Scott Kelly (340 days in space)

Space shuttle Endeavour was photographed by an Expedition 22 crew member
on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began
their post-undocking relative separation.
Also pictured are the newly-installed Tranquility node and Cupola (top foreground);
along with the Canadarm2 and the Japanese Kibo complex.
Earth's horizon and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for the scene.
Photo credit: NASA Feb. 19, 2010