Google Maps in space? Maybe not just yet, but thanks to ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, we can take a 360 degree virtual tour of the International Space Station’s Columbus module. Over the last six months, Cristoforetti has documented her stay aboard the ISS by creating a panoramic image of a segment from its interior using 14 fisheye photos stitched together. It can be viewed here .
The Columbus module — or space laboratory — featured in the image became a permanent fixture atop the station in 2008 after being dropped off by the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The 75 cubic meters (2,649 cubic foot) space contains a bevy of research equipment and is, to this day, the ESA’s largest contribution to the international ISS mission.
Notice that red markers are drawing attention to key pieces of equipment. Clicking them opens a new window with additional information.
Although the ISS stands a testament to the modern spirit of exploration and human ingenuity, very few humans have actually had the opportunity to witness such a marvel first hand. In capturing the Columbus module that panoramic style popularized by Google Maps, the ESA hopes to extend this privilege to the rest of mankind and eventually cover the entire space station.
As for Cristoforetti, she, along with NASA astronaut Terry Virts and cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov have safely returned to earth on June 10 aboard a Soyuz spacecraft.
Source: Gizmag
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