Picture of the day - May 25, 2007

Soyuz Approaching The International Space Station

Photo courtesy of NASA. The International Space Station (ISS) has been manned around the clock for several years now. As crew members complete their missions and prepare to return to mother earth, their replacements (as well as much-needed supplies) are delivered by either a visiting American space shuttle or Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Today's picture features a Soyuz TMA-9 spacecraft preparing to dock with the ISS on one of these re-supply missions back on September 20, 2006. I really love this photo because we get to enjoy the same magnificent vista the astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the ISS saw on that day. From this vantage point, not only can we clearly discern the topography of the earth's surface some 240 miles below, but we can also see the deep blue of the upper atmosphere fade to black as it gives way to the darkness of space. Can you imagine the stories the astronauts and cosmonauts will be telling their grandchildren in a few years? In all likelihood, most of us will never be able to experience a view like this in person, but thanks to the brave men and women who are willing to strap themselves to a rocket and blast off into space, we can see our amazing world through their eyes as they capture these stunning images.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"