August 16, 2005
On your birthday, photons that left distant stars before humans walked the Earth finally completed their journey. You began yours.
The International Space Station from Orbit
Birthday · August 16, 2005
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published August 16, 2005. Full image credits are on the original APOD entry below. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made object ever to orbit the Earth. Late last month and earlier this month, the station was visited and resupplied by space shuttle Discovery. The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 11 crew, consisting a Russian and an American astronaut. After departing the ISS, the crew of Discovery captured this spectacular vista of the orbiting space city. Visible components include modules, trusses, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity.