STS-130 facts for kids

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STS-130
Spacecraft properties
Patrick during EVA 3, preparing the Cupola for operational use following its installation on the ISS

Mission type	ISS assembly
Operator	NASA
Mission duration	13 days, 18 hours, 6 minutes, 24 seconds
Distance travelled	9,250,000 kilometres (5,750,000 mi)
Orbits completed	217


Spacecraft	Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch mass	2,051,127 kilograms (4,521,961 lb) (total) 121,320 kilograms (267,470 lb) (orbiter)
Landing mass	91,033 kilograms (200,694 lb)
Payload mass	19,000 kilograms (42,000 lb)


Crew
Crew size	6
Members	George D. Zamka Terry W. Virts Jr. Kathryn P. Hire Stephen Robinson Nicholas Patrick Robert L. Behnken


Start of mission
Launch date	8 February 2010, 09:14 (2010-02-08UTC09:14Z) UTC
Launch site	Kennedy LC-39A


End of mission
Landing date	22 February 2010, 03:22:10 (2010-02-22UTC03:22:11Z) UTC
Landing site	Kennedy SLF Runway 15


Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Low Earth
Perigee	341 kilometres (212 mi)
Apogee	356 kilometres (221 mi)
Inclination	51.6 degrees
Period	92 minutes


Docking with ISS
Docking port	PMA-2 (Harmony forward)
Docking date	10 February 2010, 05:26 UTC
Undocking date	20 February 2010, 00:54 UTC
Time docked	9 days, 19 hours, 28 minutes

Seated (l–r) Virts and Zamka. Standing (l–r) are Patrick, Behnken, Hire and Robinson. Space Shuttle program ← STS-129 STS-131 →

STS-130 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The Space Shuttle Endeavour carried two very important parts to the ISS: the Tranquility module and the Cupola. The Cupola is a special room with seven windows that gives astronauts a 360-degree view of space and Earth. Endeavour launched on February 8, 2010, and landed on February 21, 2010, after a successful mission.

Meet the Astronauts: STS-130 Crew
What Did STS-130 Carry to Space?
Getting Ready for Launch: Shuttle Processing
- Launch Attempts: When Endeavour Lifted Off
Important Moments of the Mission
Mission Timeline: A Day-by-Day Journey
Spacewalks: Working Outside the Station
Wake-Up Calls: Music in Space
Images for kids
See also

Meet the Astronauts: STS-130 Crew

The STS-130 mission had a crew of six brave astronauts. Each one had a special role to play in this important space journey.

Commander: George D. Zamka (This was his second and last space flight.)
Pilot: Terry W. Virts Jr. (This was his first time in space!)
Mission Specialist 1: Kathryn P. Hire (Her second and last flight.)
Mission Specialist 2: Stephen K. Robinson (His fourth and last flight.)
Mission Specialist 3: Nicholas Patrick (His second and last flight.)
Mission Specialist 4: Robert L. Behnken (His second flight.)

What Did STS-130 Carry to Space?

The main goal of STS-130 was to deliver two key parts to the International Space Station (ISS): the Tranquility module and the Cupola. These parts were carefully packed inside the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The Tranquility Module: This new section for the ISS is also known as Node 3. It was built in Italy and then flown to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Astronauts later named it Tranquility after a public poll. It provides more space for equipment and living quarters for the astronauts.
The Cupola: This is a special observation deck with seven windows. It allows astronauts to have amazing views of Earth and space, and helps them control the station's robotic arm.

Node 3 at its factory in Italy. You can see its strong metal frame.
Tranquility being moved from Endeavour to its new spot on the Unity node.
The Cupola right after it was installed on the Tranquility module.
The Tranquility module with the Cupola attached.
PMA-3 is moved to the end of Tranquility. The Cupola is on top with its cover still on.

Getting Ready for Launch: Shuttle Processing

Before a Space Shuttle can launch, it goes through many steps to get ready. For STS-130, Endeavour was moved from its hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building in December 2009.

Endeavour arrives at Pad 39A on January 6, 2010, ready for the STS-130 mission.

Then, on January 6, 2010, Endeavour was slowly moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. This journey of about 3.4 miles (5.5 km) took over six hours! Engineers had to work extra hard because of the unusually cold weather.

Launch Attempts: When Endeavour Lifted Off

The first try to launch was on February 7, 2010. However, bad weather with low clouds caused the launch to be delayed. The team had to wait.

The second launch attempt was a success! Endeavour blasted off at 4:14:08 AM EST (9:14:08 UTC) on February 8, 2010. It was an amazing sight!

Important Moments of the Mission

The STS-130 mission was a big deal for many reasons:

It was the 161st time NASA sent a crew into space.
It was the 130th Space Shuttle mission ever.
It was the 24th flight for the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
It was the 32nd time a Space Shuttle visited the International Space Station.
It was the first Space Shuttle flight in 2010.
It was the 34th time a Space Shuttle launched at night.

Mission Timeline: A Day-by-Day Journey

Flight Day 1: Launch Day!

Endeavour launched perfectly. Once in orbit, the crew opened the cargo bay doors and got ready for their work. Astronauts Nick Patrick and Kay Hire checked out the Shuttle Robotic Arm. The crew also sent back amazing pictures and videos of the external fuel tank.

Space Shuttle Endeavour launches from Kennedy Space Center, February 8, 2010.
Guests watching the STS-130 launch from a special viewing area.
A cloud of exhaust covers Launch Pad 39A during the launch.
Bolden, left, congratulates the launch team for a successful launch.

Flight Day 2: Checking the Shuttle

Most of this day was spent checking the shuttle's heat shield, called the thermal protection system (TPS). This is super important to make sure the shuttle is safe for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Astronauts Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick also got their spacesuits ready for the spacewalks.

Flight Day 3: Arriving at the Space Station

The crew guided Endeavour to catch up with the International Space Station (ISS). Commander George Zamka performed a special flip maneuver so the ISS crew could take photos of the shuttle's belly, checking the heat shield one last time. Endeavour then docked with the ISS. The hatches opened, and the two crews greeted each other. Astronauts began moving important equipment, including spacesuits, to the station.

A view of Endeavour's back section as it approached the ISS.
The Space Station as seen by an astronaut on the shuttle.
Endeavour approaching the ISS, with Earth's horizon in the background.

Flight Day 4: Getting Ready for Spacewalks

Astronauts Nick Patrick and Bob Behnken spent the day getting all their tools ready for their first spacewalk. They also had to fix a small problem with one of Bob Behnken's spacesuits. To prepare for the spacewalk, Behnken and Patrick slept in the Quest Joint Airlock at a lower air pressure. This helps their bodies get used to the space environment and prevents them from getting sick during the spacewalk.

Flight Day 5: First Spacewalk!

Astronauts Behnken and Patrick during the first spacewalk.

The first spacewalk began early in the morning. Nick Patrick and Bob Behnken worked outside the shuttle. Their main job was to prepare the Tranquility module and Cupola for their move. The space station's robot arm then moved the Tranquility module to its new spot on the Unity node. The spacewalkers then connected important cables to bring Tranquility to life. They finished their spacewalk after six and a half hours.

Flight Day 6: Opening Tranquility

On this day, the astronauts opened the hatches to the new Tranquility module for the very first time! They started setting up the inside of the module. Terry Virts and Kay Hire also prepared the Cupola for its big move. Meanwhile, Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick got their tools ready for the second spacewalk.

Flight Day 7: Second Spacewalk!

Robert Behnken during the second spacewalk.

The second spacewalk was completed by Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick. They worked for almost six hours. Their tasks included installing ammonia coolant loops, which are like the station's air conditioning system, and preparing the Cupola for its new home. A tiny bit of ammonia leaked during one connection, but the astronauts followed safety steps. The mission was also extended by one day, giving the crew more time to work.

Flight Day 8: Moving the Cupola

Cupola was moved by Canadarm2 from the front port to the bottom port of Tranquility.

The first photo taken inside the Cupola, one of two new modules on the ISS.

This was a big day! The Cupola was successfully moved from where it launched to its permanent spot on the Earth-facing side of Tranquility. Astronauts Kay Hire and Terry Virts used the station's robot arm to carefully move it. There was a small delay because some bolts were tighter than expected, but the team on Earth helped solve the problem. The crew continued setting up the Cupola, but its windows would stay closed until after the final spacewalk.

Flight Day 9: Moving PMA-3

Moving PMA-3 to the end of Tranquility.

On this day, another important part, the Pressurized Mating Adapter 3 (PMA-3), was moved to its permanent home on the end of Tranquility. This adapter helps protect the station from small space debris. Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick, with help from the ISS crew, moved it. Kay Hire and Terry Virts continued setting up the Cupola.

Flight Day 10: Final Spacewalk and Cupola Windows Open!

Astronaut Soichi Noguchi taking photos inside the newly installed Cupola module.

Astronauts Bob Behnken and Nick Patrick completed the third and final spacewalk of the mission. They connected more cables, removed covers from the Cupola, and installed handrails. After the spacewalk, pilot Terry Virts opened the windows on the Cupola for the very first time! This was an exciting moment, revealing incredible views of Earth.

An amazing view through the Cupola windows.
The Cupola looking out over the Sahara desert.
Nick Patrick outside the Cupola during spacewalk 3.
Nick Patrick checking the view from inside the Cupola.

Flight Day 11: A Call from the President

On this day, the astronauts received a special phone call from U.S. President Barack Obama and some school children. After the call, the crew began moving important life support equipment into the Tranquility module. Terry Virts continued working on setting up the Cupola for its robotic workstation. The spacewalkers also put their spacesuits and tools back into the shuttle for the trip home. The Space Shuttle also used its small engines to give the station a little boost, raising its orbit.

President Obama talking to the crew on flight day 11.
STS-130 crew members posing for a photo inside the Cupola.

Flight Day 12: Saying Goodbye to the ISS

The STS-130 crew finished moving all their remaining items. They held a press conference and then, in a special ceremony, ISS commander Jeff Williams and shuttle commander George Zamka officially opened the Cupola for use. After a final meal together, the crews said their goodbyes and closed the hatches between the shuttle and the station. The STS-130 crew then prepared the shuttle for undocking.

Flight Day 13: Undocking from the ISS

Space Shuttle Endeavour successfully undocked from the ISS. After moving away, pilot Terry Virts flew Endeavour around the station, allowing the crew to take amazing pictures of the newly upgraded ISS. Once the fly-around was complete, the crew performed a final inspection of the shuttle's heat shield.

The newly upgraded International Space Station seen from the shuttle after undocking.
Endeavour seen from the International Space Station after undocking.
The port side of Endeavour's cargo bay after undocking.

Flight Day 14: Getting Ready to Land

The crew of STS-130 spent the day getting Endeavour ready for its return to Earth. Commander George Zamka and pilot Terry Virts checked the flight control systems and tested the small steering engines. These checks are a normal part of preparing for landing and all went well. The rest of the crew packed up items that were no longer needed.

Flight Day 15: Landing Day!

On the final day, the crew woke up and began their last preparations for landing. This included closing the cargo bay doors and getting into their special launch and entry suits. Commander George Zamka and pilot Terry Virts fired Endeavour's main engines to slow the shuttle down, allowing it to begin its journey back through Earth's atmosphere.

The path Endeavour took on its 217th orbit.
Endeavour making an S-turn during its return to Earth, photographed from inside the Cupola.
Space Shuttle Endeavour touching down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, February 21, 2010.
Commander George Zamka speaking to the press after a successful landing.

Endeavour landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. About two hours later, the crew exited the shuttle and inspected it. All six crew members then spoke to the press on the runway, sharing their excitement about the successful mission.

Spacewalks: Working Outside the Station

During the STS-130 mission, astronauts performed three spacewalks (also called EVAs, or Extra-Vehicular Activities). These were crucial for installing and setting up the new modules.

EVA 1 (February 12, 2010): Robert L. Behnken and Nicholas Patrick worked for 6 hours and 32 minutes. They prepared the Unity node for Tranquility and released locks on the new module. They also connected important cables to bring Tranquility to life.
EVA 2 (February 14, 2010): Robert L. Behnken and Nicholas Patrick worked for 5 hours and 54 minutes. They installed ammonia cooling lines for Tranquility and covered them with insulation. They also prepared the Cupola's future spot on Tranquility.
EVA 3 (February 17, 2010): Nicholas Patrick and Robert L. Behnken worked for 5 hours and 48 minutes. They finished connecting the ammonia cooling lines, installed more cables and handrails on Tranquility, and removed the last covers from the Cupola.

Wake-Up Calls: Music in Space

NASA has a fun tradition of playing music to wake up astronauts in space. These songs are often chosen by their families and have a special meaning to the crew members.

Day 2: "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath for Terry Virts.
Day 3: "Katmandu" by Bob Seger for George Zamka.
Day 4: "Also sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss for Nicholas Patrick.
Day 5: "Beautiful Day" by U2 for Kathryn Hire.
Day 6: "The Ballad of Serenity" by Sonny Rhodes for Robert Behnken.
Day 7: "Too Much Stuff" by Delbert McClinton for Stephen Robinson.
Day 8: "Forty Years On" by Edward Ernest Bowen & John Farmer for Nicholas Patrick.
Day 9: "Parabola" by Tool for Robert Behnken.
Day 10: "Window on the World" by Jimmy Buffett for Kathryn Hire.
Day 11: "Oh Yeah" by Johnny A. for Stephen Robinson.
Day 12: "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by Steven Curtis Chapman for Terry Virts.
Day 13: "In Wonder" by Newsboys for Terry Virts.
Day 14: "The Distance" by Cake for the entire crew.
Day 15: "The Marines Hymn" by United States Marine Corps Band for George Zamka.

Images for kids

Patrick during EVA 3, preparing the Cupola for operational use following its installation on the ISS
Seated (l–r) Virts and Zamka. Standing (l–r) are Patrick, Behnken, Hire and Robinson.
Endeavour arrives at Pad 39A on 6 January 2010 for the STS 130 mission.
Mission poster
Space Shuttle Endeavour launches from Kennedy Space Center, 8 February 2010.
Guests look on from the terrace of Operations Support Building II during the launch.
An exhaust cloud engulfs Launch Pad 39A during the launch.
Bolden, left, congratulates Leinbach and the launch team in Firing Room Four of the Launch Control Center for a successful launch.
Image of Endeavour's aft section taken during the shuttle's approach prior to docking.
Space Station as photographed by a shuttle crew member.
Endeavour approaches the ISS, silhouetted by the Earth's horizon.
Astronauts Behnken and Patrick participate in the first spacewalk.
Robert Behnken participates in the second spacewalk.
Cupola was moved by Canadarm2 from the forward port to the nadir port of Tranquility.
The first photograph taken in the Cupola, one of two ISS modules installed during STS-130.
Relocation of PMA-3 to the end of Tranquility.
Expedition 22 member Soichi Noguchi photographs the interior of the newly installed Cupola module.
An image taken through the Cupola.
Cupola open towards the Sahara desert.
Nick Patrick outside the Cupola during spacewalk 3.
Nick Patrick checking the view from inside.
President Obama during a call to the crew on flight day 11.
STS 130 crew members pose for a portrait in the Cupola.
The newly upgraded International Space Station seen from the shuttle after undocking.
Endeavour seen from the International Space Station after undocking.
Port side of Endeavour's cargo bay after undocking.
Long range ground track on orbit 217.
Endeavour making S-turn during atmospheric reentry, photographed by astronaut Soichi Noguchi from inside the Cupola.
Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, 21 February 2010.
Commander George Zamka comments after landing.