Different angle on the space station

NASA

The International Space Station looms above Earth during the unorthodox Atlantis fly-around on July 19. The moon can be seen above and to the right of the station.

By Alan Boyle, Science Editor, NBC News

It's been standard procedure for the space shuttle to make a fly-around and take pictures of the International Space Station just as it's pulling away for the homeward journey. But the procedure was changed for this month's very last visit by the space shuttle Atlantis. After the shuttle backed 600 feet away, pilot Doug Hurley held it in position while the space station rotated 90 degrees to the right. Then Hurley made a half-loop around the station, to give Atlantis' crew members an opportunity to snap pictures of the station from angles never before photographed during a fly-around.

Advertise | AdChoices

Here are some of the high-resolution pictures. Scores of additional images focus in on details that NASA engineers wanted to check. "The images will be evaluated by experts on the ground to get additional information on the condition of the station's exterior," NASA said.

NASA

The International Space Station's solar panels are nearly edge-on in this view. Two Russian Soyuz lifeboats and two Progress cargo ships are docked on the left side.

NASA

Earth spreads out nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers) below in the background of this unusual view of the International Space Station.

NASA

The sun shines brightly on the International Space Station in this parting shot, captured by Atlantis' crew.

More views from the last shuttle mission:

Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page or following @b0yle on Twitter. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," Alan's book about the controversial dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.

Explore related topics: nasa, images, tech-science, space-station, atlantis, cosmic-log, sts-135

ray smith

Neat pics, thanks allan...I think I might print one out as a 4' by 6' poster later.(soon as I get more yel ink)... not sure which is my fav..kinda leaning towards the first....which nasa site did ya find em at? I have drawn a very keen interest in their (modules) construction lately....if anyone knows of any sites with stuctural details, I would love to see them....wondering such things as surface area, frame members, material density and content, number of welds per beam, rivits or bolts per joint...you know the usual stuff someone interesting in building a similar structure would want to know......

#1 - Sat Jul 30, 2011 1:29 AM EDT

Dale C. Rice

Absolutely Glorious! Like a giant preying mantis in metal.

#2 - Sat Jul 30, 2011 1:44 AM EDT

Confussed-1578043

Great pic's but I see more dragonfly resemblance

#2.1 - Sat Jul 30, 2011 4:03 AM EDT

Jim Dettman

Just proves once again that mankind can accomplish great things when we set our minds to it and work together.

1 vote

#3 - Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:12 AM EDT

Jasmine-1862666

AMEN!!! Especially on the "work together" part.

1 vote

#3.1 - Sat Jul 30, 2011 10:39 AM EDT

lokay5

"Just proves once again that mankind can accomplish great things when we set our minds to it and work together."

and spend lots and lots of taxpayers' money to find a use for Tang and Velcro.

#3.2 - Sun Jul 31, 2011 4:51 AM EDT

Jasmine-1862666

EXACTLY lokay5! OH!! but you are forgetting NASA spends lots and lots of taxpayers money to find use for:

Computers, Mouses, Monitors, high definition, GPS trackers, Cable Satellite, Satellites that foresees weather, digital cameras, cellphones, smartphones, dumbphones, iPhones, iPods, iWHATEVER, the internet, laptops, wireless laptops, wireless mouse, Computers inside Monitors, wireless keyboards......

even the keyboard you use to type and post your sarcastic remark! -_-

#3.3 - Tue Aug 2, 2011 3:44 PM EDT

Space Enthusiast1967

An amazing pics and very much inspiring view!

BTW, love the view of Two Russian Soyuz's and two Progress's parked at the same time - would love to see Atlantis parked there as well (but I understand that it would be impossible to see/take a pictures of all of them assembled together).