Spacecraft Docking Events

Images showcasing spacecraft docking with the ISS, including Progress supply vehicles and Space Shuttle Endeavour amidst the backdrop of Earth and space.

. iss068e075344 (March 16, 2023) - The SpaceX Dragon resupply ship approaches the International Space Station carrying more than 6,200 pounds of science experiments, crew supplies, and other cargo, to replenish the Expedition 68 crew. Both spacecraft were flying 269 miles above the Indian Ocean near Madagascar at the time of this photograph.

ISS007-E-06975 (11 June 2003) --- Backdropped by the blackness of space and Earths horizon, an unmanned Progress supply vehicle approaches the Pirs Docking Compartment (out of frame) attached to the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS), completing a three-day automated flight. The Progress 11 resupply craft, which launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on June 8, 2003, carried more than two tons of food, fuel, water, supplies and scientific gear for the Expedition 7 crew aboard the Station. The Progress linked up with the ISS at 6:15 a.m. (CDT) on June 11, 2003.

S118-E-05513 (9 Aug. 2007) --- Backdropped by the blackness of space and Earth's horizon, the SPACEHAB pressurized logistics module in Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay, vertical stabilizer and the shuttle's Remote Manipulator System/Orbiter Boom Sensor System (RMS/OBSS) are featured in this image photographed by an STS-118 crewmember during flight day two activities.

S130-E-007472 (11 Feb. 2010) --- In the grasp of the stations Canadarm2, the Tranquility module is transferred from its stowage position in space shuttle Endeavours (STS-130) payload bay to position it on the port side of the Unity node of the International Space Station. Tranquility was locked in place with 16 remotely-controlled bolts.

S130-E-007486 (11 Feb. 2010) --- In the grasp of the stations Canadarm2, the Tranquility module is transferred from its stowage position in space shuttle Endeavours (STS-130) payload bay to position it on the port side of the Unity node of the International Space Station. Tranquility was locked in place with 16 remotely-controlled bolts.

ISS011-E-11014 (28 July 2005) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery as seen from the International Space Station (ISS) just prior to docking earlier today.

ISS016-E-006288 (25 Oct. 2007) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station during STS-120 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 7:40 a.m. (CDT) on Oct. 25, 2007. The Harmony node is visible in Discovery's cargo bay.

ISS015-E-20680 (5 Aug. 2007) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, an unpiloted Progress supply vehicle approaches the International Space Station. The Progress 26 resupply craft launched at 12:34 p.m. (CDT) on Aug. 2, 2007 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Progress automatically docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment Sunday at 1:40 p.m. (CDT) on Aug. 5 delivering more than 2.5 tons of food, fuel, oxygen and other supplies to the Expedition 15 crewmembers onboard the station.

ISS013-E-10099 (26 April 2006) --- Backdropped by Earths horizon and airglow, an unpiloted Progress supply vehicle approaches the International Space Station. The Progress 21 resupply craft launched at 11:03 a.m. (CDT) on April 24, 2006 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to deliver 2.5 tons of food, water, fuel, oxygen, spare parts and other supplies to the Expedition 13 crewmembers onboard the station. Progress docked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module at 12:41 p.m. (CDT) on April 26 as the spacecraft and the station flew approximately 219 miles above a point near Greece.

. iss068e075344 (March 16, 2023) - The SpaceX Dragon resupply ship approaches the International Space Station carrying more than 6,200 pounds of science experiments, crew supplies, and other cargo, to replenish the Expedition 68 crew. Both spacecraft were flying 269 miles above the Indian Ocean near Madagascar at the time of this photograph.

S116-E-07831 (21 Dec. 2006) --- As seen through windows on the aft flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery, a Department of Defense pico-satellite known as Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) is released from the shuttle's payload bay by STS-116 crewmembers. ANDE consists of two micro-satellites which will measure the density and composition of the low Earth orbit (LEO) atmosphere while being tracked from the ground. The data will be used to better predict the movement of objects in orbit.

ISS027-E-018194 (29 April 2011) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, carrying 1,940 pounds of propellant, 110 pounds of oxygen and air, 926 pounds of water and 2,976 pounds of maintenance hardware, experiment equipment and resupply items for the Expedition 27/28 crew. Progress 42 docked to the stations Pirs docking compartment at 10:28 a.m. (EDT) on April 29, 2011.

AS09-19-2919 (3 March 1969) --- The Lunar Module (LM) Spider , still attached to the Saturn V third (S-IVB) stage, is photographed from the Command and Service Modules (CSM) Gumdrop on the first day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. This picture was taken following CSM/LM-S-IVB separation and prior to LM extraction from the S-IVB. The Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) panels have already been jettisoned. Inside the Command Module were astronauts James A. McDivitt, commander; David R. Scott, command module pilot; and Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot.

ISS023-E-025355 (17 April 2010) --- Space shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began their post-undocking relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 7:52 a.m. (CDT) on April 17, 2010, ending a stay of 10 days, 5 hours and 8 minutes. The visit included three spacewalks and delivery of more than seven tons of equipment and supplies. A blue and white part of Earth provides the backdrop for the scene. A small portion of a Russian spacecraft, docked with the station, is visible at top.

August 10, 2007 - This view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour clearly shows its payload bay and upper surfaces. The image was photographed by one of the Expedition 15 crewmembers aboard the International Space Station shortly before the two vehicles docked in Earth orbit. Endeavour is contributing toward space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and supplies inside the SPACEHAB module (in the center of the bay) and the external stowage platform 3. A Russian space

ISS003-E-8262 (7 December 2001) --- Backdropped against a large cloud mass on Earth, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, controlled by the flight crew of STS-108, approaches the International Space Station (ISS). Among other activities the Endeavour's mission will include the change out of the station crews. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

ISS018-E-008788 (16 Nov. 2008) --- Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-126) and the International Space Station's robotic Canadarm2 (foreground) are featured in this view while Endeavour is docked with the station. A blue and white Earth and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for the scene.

ISS016-E-032590 (12 March 2008) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the International Space Station during STS-123 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 10:49 p.m. (CDT) on March 12, 2008. The Canadian-built Dextre robotic system and the logistics module for the Japanese Kibo laboratory are visible in Endeavour's cargo bay.

ISS022-E-060647 (9 Feb. 2010) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 22 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-130 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 11:06 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 9, 2010.

March 12, 2008 - Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the International Space Station during STS-123 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 10:49 p.m. (CDT) on March 12, 2008. The Canadian-built Dextre robotic system and the logistics module for the Japanese Kibo laboratory are visible in Endeavour's cargo bay. A Russian spacecraft, docked to the station, is visible in the foreground.

ISS023-E-051270 (23 May 2010) --- Space shuttle Atlantis is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began their post-undocking relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 10:22 a.m. (CDT) on May 23, 2010, ending a seven-day stay that saw the addition of a new station module, replacement of batteries and resupply of the orbiting outpost. Earths horizon and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for the scene.

ISS021-E-032302 (23 Nov. 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, the aft section of the docked space shuttle Atlantis (STS-129) is featured in this image photographed by a crew member on the International Space Station.

Launched on July 26, 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and the External Stowage Platform-2. Back dropped by popcorn-like clouds, the MPLM can be seen in the cargo bay as Discovery undergoes rendezvous and docking operations. Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS).

November 16, 2008 - An overhead view of the exterior of Space Shuttle Endeavour's crew cabin, part of its payload bay doors and docking system.

Soyuz TMA-3

Earth, Moon, and Space Shuttle

ISS018-E-042051 (17 March 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 18 crewmember as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-119 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 4:20 p.m. (CDT) on March 17, 2009. The final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment are visible in Discoverys cargo bay. A Russian spacecraft docked to the station is visible at top.

ISS015-E-34478 (12 Oct. 2007) --- The Soyuz 15 (TMA-11) approaches the International Space Station, carrying NASA astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition 16 commander; cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, Soyuz commander and flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and Malaysian spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. Whitson and Malenchenko will spend six months on the station, while Shukor will return to Earth Oct. 21 with two of the Expedition 15 crewmembers currently on the complex.

Launched on July 26 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-114 was classified as Logistics Flight 1. Among the Station-related activities of the mission were the delivery of new supplies and the replacement of one of the orbital outpost's Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 also carried the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and the External Stowage Platform-2. Back dropped by popcorn-like clouds, the MPLM can be seen in the cargo bay as Discovery undergoes rendezvous and docking operations. Cosmonaut Sergei K. Kriklev, Expedition 11 Commander, and John L. Phillips, NASA Space Station officer and flight engineer photographed the spacecraft from the International Space Station (ISS).

ISS020-E-035658 (30 Aug. 2009) --- This is one of a series of 400mm survey digital still photographs of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it performed a full 360-degree backflip. The series of photos were made by the Expedition 20 crew onboard the International Space Station as the two spacecraft drew near to each other on STS-128s third flight day.

ISS002-707-048 (21 April 2001) --- One of the three Expedition Two crewmembers aboard the International Space Station (ISS) captured this view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour with payload bay doors open as the shuttle approached the orbital outpost for an April 21, 2001 docking. Raffaello, the second Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), can be seen in its berthed position in the cargo bay. Topography in northern Africa serves as a backdrop for the scene. Onboard the station are cosmonaut Yury V. Usachev, Expedition Two commander, and astronauts Susan J. Helms and James S. Voss, flight engineers. Onboard the shuttle are astronauts Kent V. Rominger, Jeffrey S. Ashby, Scott E. Parazynski, John L. Phillips, Chris A. Hadfield, and Umberto Guidoni, along with cosmonaut Yuri V. Lonchakov. Hadfield represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA); Guidoni is with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Lonchakov is associated with Rosaviakosmos.

ISS015-E-11707 (10 June 2007) --- A nadir view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis was photographed by a member of the Expedition 15 crew aboard the International Space Station as the two spacecraft were nearing their much-anticipated link-up in Earth orbit. The 17.8 ton S3/S4 truss to be added next week to the station can be seen berthed in the payload bay of the shuttle.

ISS026-E-029948 (26 Feb. 2011) --- This view of the crew cabin and forward payload bay of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Discovery performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). The image was photographed with a digital still camera, using a 400mm lens at a distance of about 600 feet (180 meters).

STS071-S-074 (4 July 1995) --- This view of the space shuttle Atlantis during its move away from Russia's Mir Space Station was photographed by the Mir-19 crew on July 4, 1995. Cosmonauts Anatoliy Y. Solovyev and Nikolai M. Budarin, Mir-19 commander and flight engineer, respectively, temporarily undocked the Soyuz spacecraft from the cluster of Mir elements to perform a brief fly-around. They took pictures while the STS-71 crew, with Mir-18's three crew members aboard, undocked from Atlantis for the completion of this leg of the joint activities. Solovyev and Budarin had been taxied to the Mir Space Station by the STS-71 ascent trip of Atlantis.

ISS023-E-044583 (16 May 2010) --- Backdropped by a colorful Earth, space shuttle Atlantis is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-132 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 9:28 a.m. (CDT) on May 16, 2010. Tenerife in the Canary Island chain is visible below.

ISS026-E-030359 (26 Feb. 2011) --- This partial view of the nose, crew cabin and forward part of the payload bay of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Discovery performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). Discoverys docking mechanism seen in the cargo bay. The image was photographed with a digital still camera, using a 1000mm lens.

ISS020-E-022342 (17 July 2009) --- This view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour was one of a series provided by an Expedition 20 crewmember prior to and during a survey of the approaching vehicle before docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, the STS-127 Endeavour crew performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM).

NM22-427-023 (20 Sept. 1996) --- This photograph of the space shuttle Atlantis was taken from approximately 170 feet away by astronaut Shannon W. Lucid, winding up her duties as cosmonaut guest researcher onboard Russias Mir Space Station. Lucid was in Mirs Base Block Module. The Spacehab double module, a first time space flyer, is seen in the aft payload bay. Its tunnel can be seen connecting to both Atlantis crew cabin and the androgynous docking adapter. Also seen in the forward bay is the Ku-band antenna used for communications. Though not recognizable in this photo, several Atlantis crew members had their noses to the windows as NASA was about to make its first crew member exchange with Mir. Astronaut John E. Blaha was onboard Atlantis as Lucids replacement.

ISS020-E-035538 (30 Aug. 2009) --- This is one of a series of 400mm survey digital still photographs of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it performed a full 360-degree backflip. The series of photos were made by the Expedition 20 crew onboard the International Space Station as the two spacecraft drew near to each other on STS-128s third flight day.

ISS013-E-48775 (6 July 2006) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station for docking but before the link-up occurred, the orbiter "posed" for a thorough series of inspection photos. Leonardo Multipurpose Logistics Module can be seen in the shuttle's cargo bay. Discovery docked at the station's Pressurized Mating Adapter 2 at 9:52 a.m. CDT, July 6, 2006.

S65-63197 (15 Dec. 1965) --- This historic view of the orbiting Gemini-7 spacecraft was taken from the Gemini-6 spacecraft during their rendezvous mission in space. Astronauts Frank Borman and James A. Lovell Jr. were in the Gemini-7 spacecraft. In the Gemini-6 spacecraft were astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr. and Thomas P. Stafford. This photograph was taken with a modified 70mm Hassleblad camera, using Eastman Kodak, Ektachrome MS (SO 217) color film. The two National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ISS018-E-043607 (28 March 2009) --- Soyuz TMA-14 is photographed from the International Space Station as the two spacecraft approach each other in Earth orbit on March 28 prior to a docking that delivers the Expedition 19 crew to the orbital outpost.

ISS029-E-005091(16 Sept. 2011) --- Backdropped against clouds, the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft departs from the International Space Station and heads toward a landing in a remote area outside the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, on Sept. 16, 2011. NASA astronaut Ron Garan, flight engineer, along with Expedition 28 commander Andrey Borisenko and flight engineer Alexander Samokutyaev, both of the Russian Federal Space Agency, are returning from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 27 and 28 crews.

S65-63220 (15 Dec. 1965) --- This photograph of the Gemini-Titan 7 (GT-7) spacecraft was taken from the Gemini-Titan 6 (GT-6) spacecraft during the historic rendezvous of the two spacecraft on Dec. 15, 1965. The two spacecraft are some 37 feet apart here. Earth can be seen below. Astronauts Walter M. Schirra Jr., command pilot; and Thomas P. Stafford, pilot, were inside the GT-6 spacecraft, while crewmen for the GT-7 mission were astronauts Frank Borman, command pilot, and James A. Lovell Jr., pilot.

ISS030-E-175647 (28 March 2012) --- European Space Agencys Edoardo Amaldi Automated Transfer Vehicle-3 (ATV-3) approaches the International Space Station. The unmanned cargo spacecraft docked to the space station at 6:31 p.m. (EDT) on March 28, 2012, delivering 220 pounds of oxygen, 628 pounds of water, 4.5 tons of propellant, and nearly 2.5 tons of dry cargo, including experiment hardware, spare parts, food and clothing.

ISS015-E-11463 (10 June 2007) --- This view of part of the crew cabin and the forward portion of the cargo bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis was provided by an Expedition 15 crewmember during a back-flip performed for the RPM survey by the approaching STS-117 crew to the International Space Station. Distance from the station and shuttle at this time was approximately 600 feet.

ISS005-E-17046 (10 October 2002) --- A Soyuz vehicle, docked to the International Space Station (ISS), is photographed by a crewmember on the station. A portion of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is visible in the background.

ISS013-E-80624 (11 Sept. 2006) --- This overhead image of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, recorded by an Expedition 13 crewmember onboard the International Space Station as the shuttle approached the station, gives an excellent view of the hardware stowed in the cargo bay which will later be used to resume the construction of the orbital outpost during the STS-115 mission.

ISS015-E-11759 (10 June 2007) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, the Space Shuttle Atlantis approaches the International Space Station during STS-117 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:36 p.m. (CDT) on June 10, 2007. A pair of solar arrays and starboard truss segments (S3/S4), which are later to be attached to the station and outfitted during three spacewalks, can be seen in Atlantis' cargo bay. A docked Soyuz spacecraft is visible at top center.

ISS017-E-008702 (2 June 2008) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station during STS-124 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:03 p.m. (EDT) on June 2, 2008. The second component of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory, the Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) is visible in Discovery's cargo bay.

ISS005-E-21680 (25 November 2002) --- Backdropped by a blanket of clouds, the Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the International Space Station (ISS) during STS-113 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 3:59 p.m. (CST) on November 25, 2002. The Port One (P1) truss, which was later attached to the station and outfitted during three spacewalks, can be seen in Endeavours cargo bay.

ISS023-E-021543 (11 April 2010) --- The nose and forward cabin of the docked space shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by a spacewalker during the STS-131 mission's second session of extravehicular activity (EVA) as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station.

61C-39-002 (12-17 Jan 1986) --- This view of the cargo bay of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia reveals some of the STS 61-C mission payloads. The materials science laboratory (MSL-2), sponsored by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), is in the foreground. A small portion of the first Hitchhiker payload, sponsored by the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), is in the immediate foreground, mounted to the spacecraft's starboard side. The closed sun shield for the now-vacated RCA SATCOM K-1 communications satellite is behind the MSL. Completely out of view, behind the shield, are 13 getaway specials in canisters. Clouds over ocean and the blackness of space share the backdrop for the 70mm camera's frame.

ISS020-E-021520 (17 July 2009) --- This view of the crew cabin of the Space Shuttle Endeavour was provided by an Expedition 20 crewmember during a survey of the approaching vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Endeavour performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). The image was photographed with a digital still camera, using a 400mm lens at a distance of about 600 feet (180 meters).

View of the Soyuz TMA-15M spacecraft as it approaches the ISS for rendezvous and docking. Image was released by astronaut on Instagram.

ISS023-E-020026 (7 April 2010) --- This view of the underside of the crew cabin of the space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 23 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-131 crew to the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Discovery performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). The image was photographed with a digital still camera, using a 400mm lens at a distance of about 600 feet (180 meters).

iss064e020562 (Jan. 6, 2021) --- Northrop Grumman's Cygnus space freighter is pictured attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm before being released and completing a 93-day cargo mission attached to the International Space Station.

ISS011-E-11233 (28 July 2005) --- One of a series of photographs showing the Space Shuttle Discovery as taken from aboard the International Space Station during rendezvous and docking operations. The Italian-built Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) is in the Shuttle;s cargo bay. Earth, dotted with popcorn-like clouds, provides the backdrop for this image.

STS065-42-017 (8-23 July 1994) --- This 35mm panorama shows the science module, for the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) and the Space Shuttle Columbia's cargo bay, backdropped against the darkness of space over part of Africa, on Earth's horizon. Lake Nyasa in Malawi can easily be delineated. Also visible are part of the country of Mozambique and the Indian Ocean. Six NASA astronauts and a Japanese payload specialist spent more than two weeks of experimenting in Earth-orbit. Onboard were NASA astronauts Robert D. Cabana, James D. Halsell, Jr., Richard J. Hieb, Carl E. Walz, Donald A. Thomas and Leroy Chiao along with payload specialist Dr. Chiaki Mukai, representing the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan.

ISS036-E-007748 (15 June 2013) --- The European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-4 (ATV-4) Albert Einstein” is about to dock to the orbital outpost at 2:07 GMT, June 15, 2013, following a ten-day period of free-flight.

ISS020-E-039175 (8 Sept. 2009) --- Backdropped by a cloud-covered part of Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-128) is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 20 crew member on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began their post-undocking relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 2:26 p.m. (CDT) on Sept. 8, 2009. The Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module is visible in Discoverys cargo bay.

iss056e032832 (June 23, 2018) --- The Earth's limb and the Pacific Ocean contrast segments of the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module built by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. At right is a portion of the Experiment Logistics Module, Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) which is the Kibo lab's storage facility. Next to the ELM-PS is Kibo's 10-meter-long robotic arm, or Remote Manipulator System, which is attached to the lab module's core component, the Pressurized Module. Kibo was launched in segments to the station on two space shuttle missions in March and May of 2008 and a third shuttle mission in July 2009.

ISS013-E-80625 (11 Sept. 2006) --- This overhead image of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, recorded by an Expedition 13 crewmember onboard the International Space Station as the shuttle approached the station, gives an excellent view of the hardware stowed in the cargo bay which will later be used to resume the construction of the orbital outpost during the STS-115 mission. A Progress resupply vehicle is docked to the station at left.

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ISS022-E-060672 (9 Feb. 2010) --- Backdropped by the blackness of space, space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 22 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-130 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 11:06 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 9, 2010.

ISS007-E-13808 (30 August 2003) --- Backdropped by Earths horizon, an unpiloted Progress supply vehicle approaches the International Space Station (ISS). The Progress 12 resupply craft, which launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:48 p.m. (CDT) on August 28, 2003, carried nearly three tons of food, fuel, water, supplies and scientific gear for the Expedition 7 crew aboard the Station. The Progress linked up with the Station at 10:40 p.m. (CDT) on August 30, 2003 as the two spacecraft were flying over Central Asia at an altitude of 240 statute miles.

NM21-401-012 (28 March 1996) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis is backdropped over the darkness of space, and partially over clouds and open ocean waters on Earth, as it and Russias Mir Space Station begin their relative separation following several days of joint operations. This 35mm film was exposed by astronaut Shannon W. Lucid as she was beginning her record-setting stay aboard Mir, as a cosmonaut guest researcher. Onboard with Lucid were her Mir-21 crew mates, cosmonauts Yuriy I. Onufriyenko, commander; and Yuriy V. Usachov, flight engineer. Onboard Atlantis were Kevin P. Chilton, STS-76 mission commander; Richard A. Searfoss, pilot; along with Linda M. Godwin, Ronald M. Sega and Michael R. (Rich) Clifford, mission specialists.

STS109-E-5707 (9 March 2002) --- The Hubble Space Telescope, backdropped against the blackness of space over the horizon of the blue and white Earth, continues to distance itself from the Space Shuttle Columbia. The STS-109 crew deployed the giant telescope at 4:04 a.m. CST (1004 GMT), March 9, 2002. Afterward, the seven crew members began to focus their attention to the trip home, scheduled for March 12. The STS-109 astronauts conducted five space walks to service and upgrade Hubble. This image was recorded with a digital still camera.

In the grasp of the Shuttle's Remote Manipulator System (RMS) robot arm, the U.S. Laboratory, Destiny, is moved from its stowage position in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. This photograph was taken by astronaut Thomas D. Jones during his Extravehicular Activity (EVA). The American-made Destiny module is the cornerstone for space-based research aboard the orbiting platform and the centerpiece of the International Space Station (ISS), where unprecedented science experiments will be performed in the near-zero gravity of space. Destiny will also serve as the command and control center for the ISS. The aluminum module is 8.5- meters (28-feet) long and 4.3-meters (14-feet) in diameter. The laboratory consists of three cylindrical sections and two endcones with hatches that will be mated to other station components. A 50.9-centimeter- (20-inch-) diameter window is located on one side of the center module segment. This pressurized module is designed to accommodate pressurized pay

STS074-320-019 (15 Nov 1995) --- The five NASA astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis look out overhead windows on the aft flight deck toward their counterparts aboard the Russian Mir Space Station, with which they had just rendezvoused. For orientation purposes, the photo should be held with the nose at frames left edge. The STS-74 crew members (from the top) are astronauts Kenneth D. Cameron, mission commander; Jerry L. Ross, mission specialist; James D. Halsell Jr., pilot; William S. McArthur Jr., and Canadian astronaut Chris A. Hadfield, both mission specialists. The flight began with a November 12, 1995, launch from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and ended with landing there on November 20, 1995. On November 15, 1995, the Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with Russias Mir Space Station, on which the STS-74 astronauts joined the Mir-20 crew. The Mir-20 crew is composed of cosmonauts Yuriy P. Gidzenko, commander; and Sergei V. Avdeyev, engineer; along with the European Space Ag

STS071-S-072 (4 July 1995) --- This view of the space shuttle Atlantis still connected to Russia's Mir Space Station was photographed by the Mir-19 crew on July 4, 1995. Cosmonauts Anatoliy Y. Solovyev and Nikolai M. Budarin, Mir-19 commander and flight engineer, respectively, temporarily undocked the Soyuz spacecraft from the cluster of Mir elements to perform a brief fly-around. They took pictures while the STS-71 crew, with Mir-18's three crew members aboard, undocked Atlantis for the completion of this leg of the joint activities. Solovyev and Budarin had been taxied to the Mir Space Station by the STS-71 ascent trip of Atlantis.

ISS041-E-020854 (23 Sept. 2014) --- The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft approaches the International Space Station on Sept. 23, 2014 for grapple and berthing. European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst and NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, both Expedition 41 flight engineers, were at the controls of the robotics workstation in the Cupola when the Canadarm2 grappled Dragon at 6:52 a.m. (EDT). Dragon will spend the next four weeks attached to the Harmony node as the Expedition 41 crew unloads 4,885 pounds of (2,216 kg) crew supplies, hardware, experiments, and computer gear and spacewalk equipment.

ISS022-E-060648 (9 Feb. 2010) --- Backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth, space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 22 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-130 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 11:06 p.m. (CST) on Feb. 9, 2010.

ISS023-E-051336 (23 May 2010) --- Space shuttle Atlantis is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began their post-undocking relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 10:22 a.m. (CDT) on May 23, 2010, ending a seven-day stay that saw the addition of a new station module, replacement of batteries and resupply of the orbiting outpost. A portion of a Russian spacecraft docked to the station is at top.

ISS041-E-035045 (25 Sept. 2014) --- The Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft approaches the International Space Station, carrying Expedition 41 Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev, NASA Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore and Russian Flight Engineer Elena Serova. The Soyuz safely ferried the trio to the stations Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2) despite a port solar array that wouldnt deploy until after its docking on Sept. 25, 2014.

S123-E-009806 (24 March 2008) --- Backdropped by a large area of white clouds, Space Shuttle Endeavour's vertical stabilizer and orbital maneuvering system pods are featured in this image photographed by a STS-123 crew member while docked with the International Space Station.

ISS038-E-042668 (5 Feb. 2014) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress resupply vehicle approaches the International Space Station, carrying 2.8 tons of food, fuel and supplies for the Expedition 38 crew members. The Progress 54 spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 11:23 a.m. (10:23 p.m. Baikonur time) and completed its four-orbit trek at 5:22 p.m. (EST) when it docked automatically to the station's Pirs docking compartment.

ISS028-E-015580 (10 July 2011) --- This is one of a series of images showing various parts of the space shuttle Atlantis in Earth orbit as photographed by one of three crew members -- half the station crew -- who were equipped with still cameras for this purpose on the International Space Station as the shuttle posed” for photos and visual surveys and performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). Seen at the rear of the cargo bay is the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module, packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. A 400 millimeter lens was used to capture this particular series of images.

ISS026-E-029829 (26 Feb. 2011) --- This close-up view of the starboard side of the crew cabin of space shuttle Discovery was provided by an Expedition 26 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-133 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Discovery performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). The station crew member used a digital still camera with an 800mm focal length, as the two spacecraft were approximately 600 feet (180 meters) apart.

ISS016-E-028388 (9 Feb. 2008) --- An overhead view of the exterior of the Space Shuttle Atlantis' crew cabin, part of its payload bay doors and docking system was provided by Expedition 16 crewmembers. Before docking with the International Space Station, astronaut Steve Frick, STS-122 commander, flew the shuttle through a roll pitch maneuver or basically a backflip to allow the space station crew a good view of Atlantis' heat shield. Using digital still cameras equipped with both 400 and 800 millimeter lenses, the ISS crewmembers took a number of photos of the shuttle's thermal protection system and sent them down to teams on the ground for analysis. A 400 millimeter lens was used for this image.

ISS027-E-032428 (18 May 2011) --- This high angle, partial view of the port side of the space shuttle Endeavours crew cabin was provided by an Expedition 27 crew member during a survey of the approaching STS-134 vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, Endeavour performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM). The image was photographed with a digital still camera, using a 1000mm lens.

STS032-544-010 (12 Jan 1990) --- Canadian-built RMS suspends LDEF over cargo bay during extensive in-space survey.

ISS038-E-003870 (19 Nov. 2013) --- Three nanosatellites, known as Cubesats, are deployed from a Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (SSOD) attached to the Kibo laboratorys robotic arm at 7 10 a.m. (EST) on Nov. 19, 2013. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 38 flight engineer, monitored the satellite deployment while operating the Japanese robotic arm from inside Kibo. The Cubesats were delivered to the International Space Station Aug. 9, aboard Japans fourth H-II Transfer Vehicle, Kounotori-4.

Apollo 9 Lunar Module test, illustration

ISS018-E-040628 (17 March 2009) --- An overhead close-up view of the exterior of Space Shuttle Discovery's crew cabin, part of its payload bay and docking system was provided by Expedition 18 crewmembers on the International Space Station. Before docking with the station, astronaut Lee Archambault, STS-119 commander, flew the shuttle through a Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver or basically a backflip to allow the space station crew a good view of Discovery's heat shield. Using digital still cameras equipped with both 400 and 800 millimeter lenses, the ISS crewmembers took a number of photos of the shuttle's thermal protection system and sent them down to teams on the ground for analysis. A 800 millimeter lens was used for this image.

STS093-702-048 (23 July 1999)--- This 70mm frame shows the Chandra X-Ray observatory, backdropped against a desert area in Namibia, just before its release from Columbia's payload bay. The primary duty of the STS-93 crew was to deploy the world's most powerful X-Ray telescope. It was also one of the first actions of the astronauts, occurring just a few hours following the shuttle's arrival in Earth orbit. This scene is one of a series of still photos recorded by the crew before and during the deployment of the 50,162 pound observatory.

ISS032-E-010644 (28 July 2012) --- The unpiloted Russian Progress 47 resupply spacecraft is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 32 crew member as it approaches the International Space Station for re-docking on July 28, 2012. The cargo ship temporarily undocked on July 22 in order to test the new Kurs-NA automated rendezvous system. The cargo ship successfully re-docked at 9:01 p.m. (EDT) on July 28.

ISS030-E-015603 (23 Dec. 2011) --- With the three Expedition 30/31 crew members aboard, the Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft (left) eases toward its docking with the Russian-built Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM-1), also known as Rassvet, Russian for "dawn." The docking, which once more enables six astronauts and cosmonauts to work together aboard the Earth-orbiting International Space Station, took place at 9:19 a.m. (CST) on Dec. 23, 2011.

ISS014-E-18277 (27 March 2007) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, an unpiloted Progress 23 supply vehicle departs from the Zvezda Service Module aft port of the International Space Station on March 27, 2007, carrying its load of trash and unneeded equipment to be deorbited and burned up in Earth's atmosphere. The undocking clears the way for the relocation of the Soyuz 13 (TMA-9) from the Zarya Module nadir port to the Zvezda Service Module aft port.

The SpaceX Dragon space freighter, on its 25th Commercial Resupply Services mission, approaches the International Space Station during an orbital sunrise 263 miles above the Pacific Ocean.

S134-E-007036 (18 May 2011) --- The International Space Station is featured in this image photographed by an STS-134 crew member at an aft flight deck window of space shuttle Endeavour during rendezvous and docking operations.

October 25, 2007 - Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station during STS-120 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 7:40 a.m. (CDT) on October 25, 2007. The Harmony node is visible in Discovery's cargo bay.

ISS005-E-21545 (25 November 2002) --- The forward section and part of the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Endeavour were photographed by an Expedition Five crewmember aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during STS-113 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 3:59 p.m. (CST) on November 25, 2002.

ISS013-E-80632 (11 Sept. 2006) --- This overhead image of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-115), recorded by an Expedition 13 crewmember onboard the International Space Station, gives an excellent view of the hardware stowed in the cargo bay which will later be used to resume the construction of the orbital outpost.

A Space Shuttle mission STS-9 onboard view show's Spacelab-1 (SL-1) module in orbiter Columbia's payload bay. Spacelab-1 was a cooperative venture of NASA and the European Space Agency. Scientists from eleven European nations plus Canada, Japan and the U.S. provided instruments and experimental procedures for over 70 different investigations in five research areas of disciplines astronomy and solar physics, space plasma physics, atmospheric physics and Earth observations, life sciences and materials science.

ISS018-E-042074 (17 March 2009) --- Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 18 crewmember as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-119 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 4:20 p.m. (CDT) on March 17, 2009. The final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment are visible in Discoverys cargo bay.

ISS018-E-043350 (25 March 2009) --- Backdropped by a colorful Earth, Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-119) is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 18 crew member on the International Space Station soon after the shuttle and station began their post-undocking relative separation on March 25, 2009.

The SpaceX Dragon Commercial Resupply Services-9 (CRS-9) spacecraft approaches the ISS for rendezvous and grapple operations. Earth provides the backdrop for this image.

ISS020-E-021320 (17 July 2009) --- This view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour was provided by an Expedition 20 crewmember during a survey of the approaching vehicle prior to docking with the International Space Station. As part of the survey and part of every mission's activities, the STS-127 Endeavour crew performed a back-flip for the rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM).

S103-E-5252 (22 December 1999) --- One of the STS-103 astronauts inside Discovery's cabin took this electronic still camera's (ESC) image of a full moon backdropped against the blackness of space over Earth's horizon.The top of the captured Hubble Space Telescope (HST) appears in the frame.

April 15, 2010 - Part of the space shuttle Discovery's starboard wing, vertical stabilizer and orbital maneuvering system pods backdropped against the cloud-covered Pacific Coast of southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. The Imperial Valley and Salton Sea can be seen at top center.

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