Astronaut photography of the Earth from the International Space Station has achieved resolutions close to those available from commercial remote sensing satellites—with many photographs having spatial resolutions of less than six meters. Astronauts take the photographs by hand and physically compensate for the motion of the spacecraft relative to the Earth while the images are being acquired.
Published May 6, 2002
With much of their time committed to construction of the International Space Station, astronauts and cosmonauts are also beginning their first scientific studies. The Destiny Laboratory just joined to the International Space Station includes the best optical quality window ever flown on a human-occupied spacecraft. The window will eventually host a number of remote sensing experiments that will use a special rack system, the Window Observational Research Facility or WORF, for mechanical and electrical support (Eppler et al. 1996). Until the WORF is complete in June 2002, astronauts are photographing the Earth’s surface as part of an early project, Crew Earth Observations.
Published Feb 16, 2001
We asked a space station team and an astronaut to share a few of their favorite views from above.
Published Mar 19, 2021
Astronauts supplied the International Space Station with a new logistics module; tested tools, technologies, and techniques to refuel satellites in space; and collected old equipment.
Published Jul 21, 2011
Primarily designed to give astronauts a way to see the outside of the ISS, it also provides stunning panoramic views of Earth and space.
Published Feb 20, 2010
As NASA's latest care package heads toward the International Space Station, it traveled over beautiful Earth landscapes—from scenic snowscapes to desolate deserts.
Published Dec 21, 2018
A collection of radio antennas in the Mojave Desert has a long history of helping NASA keep in touch with distant spacecraft.
Published Jun 14, 2018
Satellites are shedding new light on the invisible processes and rhythms at play at the intersection between Earth and space.
Published Dec 26, 2019
This sequence of time-lapse photographs illustrates roughly half an orbit of the International Space Station, from Northern Europe to Australia.
Published Jun 28, 2010
A camera onboard the International Space Station delivers the space-based view of meteors burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Published Aug 13, 2016
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