Astronautics Collection (page 3)

A manned Mars cycler space station approaches the planet Mars. A Mars cycler is a permanently orbiting vehicle with a path that alternately brings it near Earth and Mars

Space shuttle Endeavour backdropped by a colorful Earth
May 18, 2011 - Space shuttle Endeavour backdropped by a colorful Earth

The International Space Station backdropped against clouds over Earth
March 7, 2011 - The International Space Station backdropped against clouds over Earth

The Albert Einstein Automated Transfer Vehicle
June 15, 2013 - Surrounded by the darkness of space, the Albert Einstein Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-4) approaches the International Space Station

A pair of manned Mars rovers rendezvous on the martian surface. Humans may one day explore the martian surface with the help of pressurized rovers that would provide a shirt sleeve environment while

Artists concept illustrating the gravity assist maneuver used by spacecraft through the solar system

Orbital maintenance platform rendezvous with the James Webb Space Telescope
A manned orbital maintenance platform (OMP) sidles up to NASAs James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) for repair and upgrade. The James Webb Space Telescope orbits a semi-stable Lagrange point

The Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft
November 10, 2013 - The Soyuz TMA-09M spacecraft departs from the International Space Stations Zvezda Service Module

View from space of a setting Sun above part of southwestern Australia
April 1, 2013 - The sun is about to set in this scene showing parts of southwestern Australia. Several of the orbital outposts solar array panels are seen in the foreground

Launching of the Mercury-Redstone 3 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida
May 5, 1961 - Launching of the Mercury-Redstone 3 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida

A Soyuz TMA-M spacecraft soars over the Atlantic Ocean at sunset
A three-person manned Soyuz TMA-M spacecraft soars over the Atlantic ocean as sunset settles over the western hemisphere. With the retirement of the space shuttle

Russian cosmonaut conducts a spacewalk on the International Space Station
August 16, 2013 - Russian cosmonaut, attired in a Russian Orlan spacesuit, participates in a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) to continue outfitting the International Space Station

The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft during grappling operations with Canadarm2
May 25, 2012 - With clouds over Earth forming a backdrop, the SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft is photographed during grappling operations with the Canadarm2 robotic arm at the International

Apollo 6 spacecraft leaves a fiery trail in the sky after launch
April 4, 1968 - The five F-1 engines of the huge Apollo/Saturn V space vehicles first (S-IC) stage leave a gigantic trail of flame in the sky above the Kennedy Space Center seconds after liftoff

Artists concept of a martian rover. The rover featured in this image, as seen from the rear, includes wing-like solar voltaic panels suspended above the chassis to supplement its electrical needs

Russian spacecraft docked to the International Space Station
July 12, 2011 - A Russian Soyuz (foreground), and a Russian Progress supply ship (background), are docked to the International Space Station

Canadarm2 robotic arm prepares to release the Cygnus spacecraft
October 22, 2013 - The International Space Stations Canadarm2 prepares to release the Orbital Sciences Cygnus commercial craft

Artist concept of NASAs Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission
An artist concept of NASAs Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission

Space station from 2001: A Space Odyssey

A manned Asteroid Lander prepares to land on the surface of an asteroid
A manned Asteroid Lander just moments before settling to the surface of an asteroid. The surface gravity is so low that the lander easily maneuvers by using just the reaction control thrusters

Orion-drive spacecraft in lunar orbit

Illustration of a spacecraft travelling faster than the speed of light. A massive spacecraft employs a novel propulsion that exploits physics as yet unknown to travel faster than light

New Horizons spacecraft over dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon
NASAs New Horizons unmanned spacecraft over dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon. New Horizons has been en route to Pluto since its launch from Earth in 2006

A docked Russian Soyuz spacecraft backdropped by Earth
April 22, 2011 - A docked Russian Soyuz spacecraft backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth

A close-up view of a section of the International Space Station
May 29, 2011 - A close-up view of a section of the International Space Station

Close-up of space station from 2001: A Space Odyssey

A robotic probe drills into the surface of an asteroid as a meteorite strikes nearby
An unmanned robotic probe drills into the surface of an asteroid as a meteorite strikes nearby creating a plume of super-heated plasma and dust

New Horizons spacecraft flies by dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon
NASAs New Horizons unmanned spacecraft flies by dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon. New Horizons has been en route to Pluto since its launch from Earth in 2006

Illustration of a blimp towing a sensor through liquid ethane on Titan
A manned blimp tows a sensor through one of Titans many bodies of liquid ethane in search of new discoveries. A blimp would be an efficient form of transportation given Titans combination of high

The aft section of space shuttle Discovery backdropped by planet Earth
February 26, 2011 - The aft section of space shuttle Discovery backdropped by a blue and white part of Earth

The Cupola of the International Space Station
April 21, 2012 - The Cupola of the International Space Station, backdropped by the blackness of space

The unpiloted ISS Progress 42 supply vehicle
October 29, 2011 - The unpiloted ISS Progress 42 supply vehicle

Artists concept of astronauts setting up weather monitoring equipment on Mars
This artists rendering represents a concept of possible activities during future space exploration missions. It depicts two crewmembers setting up weather monitoring equipment on the surface of Mars

SpaceX Dragon in the grasp of Canadarm2
March 3, 2013 - SpaceX Dragon in the grasp of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System or Canadarm2, backdropped by a blue and white Earth

Searchlights illuminate this nighttime view of Apollo 17 spacecraft on its launchpad
Cape Canaveral, Florida, November 1972 - Searchlights illuminate this nighttime scene at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center

Nighttime view of the Apollo 12 space vehicle
Cape Canaveral, Florida, October 28, 1969 - A nighttime, ground-level view of Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the Apollo 12 (Spacecraft 108/Lunar Module 6/Saturn 507) space vehicle

Artists concept of the Assimilators Claw, as described in the novels of Stephen Baxter; front view

Explorers in space suits exit an Asteroid Lander
A pair of explorers in space suits exit an Asteroid Lander in preparation for exploring the asteroids surface. The surface gravity is so low that in terms of moving about the experience is more akin

Artists concept of a robotic probe exploring a frigid ethane lake on Titan
A robotic probe explores a frigid ethane lake on Titan. This probe carries its own light source as the surface of Titan is only 0.1 percent as bright as the Earth s

Space station in orbit around Earth with space shuttle

Close-up view of the aft section of the International Space Station
March 7, 2011 - A close-up view of the aft section of the International Space Station

Close-up of the front section of space shuttle Atlantis
July 10, 2011 - Close-up of the front section of space shuttle Atlantis in Earth orbit

Orion-drive spacecraft leaving Earth orbit

Artists concept of NASAs Juno spacecraft during its Earth flyby gravity assist. On Earth below, the southern Atlantic Ocean is visible, along with the coast of Argentina

Artists concept of an orbital outpost above Phobos, the nearest of Mars moons
Phobos, the nearest of the Martian moons, may make a convenient transit station for travellers on their way to the surface of Mars

Astronauts release a weather balloon on the surface of Titan
A titanian explorer prepares to release a weather balloon while another directs a flood lamp to illuminate the activity. On the left is a supply cart with a portable weather station

A docked Russian Soyuz spacecraft
September 16, 2011 - A docked Russian Soyuz spacecraft backdropped by Earths horizon and the blackness of space

The Cygnus spacecraft in the grasp of Canadarm2
September 29, 2013 - The first Cygnus commercial cargo spacecraft in the grasp of the Canadarm2. Earths horizon and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for the scene

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Astronautics, the captivating realm of space exploration, has witnessed remarkable milestones throughout history. From the groundbreaking launch of Sputnik II carrying Laika, the courageous canine astronaut, to the awe-inspiring image of an astronaut standing on the moon with Earth as a backdrop - these moments have forever etched themselves in our collective memory. The journey began with Sputnik I, a testament to human ingenuity and scientific prowess. As it pierced through Earth's atmosphere, it heralded a new era of possibilities and ignited fierce competition between Russia and the United States. The race for supremacy in space intensified when Sputnik II embarked on its mission with Laika onboard, capturing hearts worldwide. Amidst this rivalry emerged extraordinary feats like Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to orbit our planet aboard Vostok This triumph was celebrated not only by Russia but also marked a significant milestone for all humankind. Spacewalks became another defining moment in astronautics as Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov ventured outside his spacecraft adorned in an artistic spacesuit. His daring act paved the way for future extravehicular activities that expanded our understanding of outer space. Meanwhile, across continents and oceans lay Apollo 1 tragedy - a somber reminder of the risks involved in pushing boundaries. Yet from this dark chapter arose resilience and determination as NASA continued their pursuit towards landing humans on lunar soil. As time progressed, Pravda unveiled secrets hidden within Sputnik I's walls – revealing astonishing discoveries that further fueled mankind's curiosity about what lies beyond our blue planet. Fast forward to present times; we witness breathtaking images captured by rovers exploring Mars' rugged terrain or glimpses into distant galaxies taken by powerful telescopes stationed above Earth's atmosphere. These advancements remind us that there is still so much left unexplored within our vast universe. Astronautics continues to evolve; private companies now join the ranks of space exploration, offering opportunities for space tourism.