Cupola (ISS module)
Exterior of Cupola with shutters open | |
| Module statistics | |
|---|---|
| COSPAR ID | 2010-004B |
| Launch date | 8 February 2010, 09:14:08 UTC |
| Launch vehicle | Space Shuttle Endeavour |
| Berthed | 15 February 2010 |
| Mass | 1,880 kg (4,145 lb) |
| Height | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
| Diameter | 2.95 m (9.68 ft) |
The Cupola is an ESA-built observatory module of the International Space Station (ISS). Its name derives from the Italian word cupola, which means "dome". Its seven windows are used to conduct experiments, dockings and observations of Earth. It was launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour's mission STS-130 on 8 February 2010, and attached to the Tranquility (Node 3) module. With the Cupola attached, ISS assembly reached 85 percent completion. The Cupola's central window has a diameter of 80 cm (31 in).