Astronaut Jessica Watkins Floats Above the Earth in the Space Station's Cupola

By Nancy Atkinson May 10, 2022
Astronaut Jessica Watkins Floats Above the Earth in the Space Station's Cupola

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins is seen here floating above Earth in the International Space Station’s cupola, which provides a spectacular viewing spot for those who live and work on the space station.

The cupola is a dome-shaped module with six windows that face Earth. It was installed in 2010, and is a favorite spot for astronauts to do some Earth observation and quiet introspection. The small module is designed for the observation of operations outside the station such as robotic activities, the approach of vehicles, and spacewalks.

But the direct, nadir view of Earth through the windows is what astronauts enjoy the most. Those who have the incredible opportunity to see the Earth from space often report the view gives them a sense of awe, unity and clarity. This perspective-altering experience is known as the Overview Effect, from a book by the same name published 1987 by space philosopher Frank White.

Watkins is currently serving as a mission specialist on the ISS, and is part of the SpaceX Crew-4 mission, which launched on April 27, 2022.  Watkins is the first Black woman to serve a long-duration mission on the space station.

The SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts (from left) with Mission Specialist Jessica Watkins, Pilot Robert Hines, Commander Kjell Lindgren, and Mission Specialist Samantha Cristoforetti. Credit: NASA.

“We have reached this milestone, this point in time, and the reason we’re able to arrive at this time is because of the legacy of those who have come before to allow for this moment,” Watkins said in an interview before launch. “Also, recognizing this is a step in the direction of a very exciting future. So to be a part of that is certainly an honor.”

Here are a few other great views of astronauts enjoying the cupola.

Astronaut Peggy Whitson spends time in the International Space Station's Cupola during a 2017 tour of duty. Credit: NASA

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield spends some quiet time to check out the view of Earth from the cupola of the International Space Station, while serenading his fellow astronauts. Credit: NASA

Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson reflects on the view from the ISS's Cupola. Credit: Doug Wheelock/NASA

The STS-131 crew somehow organizes themselves on the small space of the cupola in microgravity. Pictured are Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. and Mission Specialists Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Rick Mastracchio, Naoko Yamazaki, Clayton Anderson and Stephanie Wilson. Credit: NASA

See a larger view of our lead image of Jessica Watkins here, via NASA.

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson

Nancy Atkinson is a space journalist and author with a passion for telling the stories of people involved in space exploration and astronomy. She is currently retired from daily writing, but worked at Universe Today for 20 years as a writer and editor. She also contributed articles to The Planetary Society, Ad Astra (National Space Society), New Scientist and many other online outlets.

Her 2019 book, "Eight Years to the Moon: The History of the Apollo Missions,” shares the untold stories of engineers and scientists who worked behind the scenes to make the Apollo program so successful, despite the daunting odds against it. Her first book “Incredible Stories From Space: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos” (2016) tells the stories of 37 scientists and engineers that work on several current NASA robotic missions to explore the solar system and beyond.

Nancy is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and through this program, she has the opportunity to share her passion of space and astronomy with children and adults through presentations and programs. Nancy's personal website is nancyatkinson.com