KSC-2009-3882

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-130 Mission Specialist Robert Behnken (left) practices working on the Cupola, part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload on the mission to the International Space Station. At right is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. Crew members are at Kennedy for familiarization with mission equipment and hardware, called the crew equipment interface test. The payload on the 32nd assembly flight to the International Space Station also includes the Tranquility Node 3. Cupola will provide a 360-degree panoramic view of activities outside the station and spectacular views of the Earth. Cupola has the capability for command and control workstations to be installed to assist in the space station remote manipulator system and extra vehicular activities. The final element of the space station core, Cupola is targeted for launch Feb. 4, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett