Retro Future: Jupiter Moon Callisto 2204

ESA ASTRONAUT ELISA SCHANBECKER ON THE SURFACE OF CALLISTO

During the early GMT hours of 3rd May 2204, on the fourth Gallilean satellite moon Callisto, the first manned landing takes place in the bright surface crater, Burr. Supporting a crew of six, the surface module is due for a one month stay before blasting off to rendevous with the command module in low sync orbit and a return to Earth some two years later.

Electric Pix in Space: Sunrise on Mars.

THE FAR ALIEN HORIZON

Some day there will be a human being in that photo. I really was born a couple of millenia to early.

Electric Pix in Space: Saluting the Flying Brick.

08-07-2011 THE END OF THE SHUTTLE ERA.

Remembering the achievements, the imagination, the tragedies, the heartbreak and the desire to explore.

Electric Pix in Space: The Last Flight of the Endeavour.

"SHE WAS A GOOD SHIP..." Explorers 1985.

Explanation: This luminous night view of the space shuttle orbiter Endeavour, docked with the International Space Station for a final time, was captured on May 28. Orbiting 350 kilometers above planet Earth, Endeavour's payload bay is lit up as it hurtles through Earth's shadow at 17,000 miles per hour. At the top of the frame, the jointed appendages of the station's robotic manipulator arm Dextre appear in silhouette. Motion during the long exposure produced streaks in the starry background and the city lights on the darkened planet below. Completing a 16 day mission, Endeavour made a final landing at Kennedy Space Center in the dark, early morning hours of June 1.

Retro History: Return of the Moon Men.

PRESIDENT NIXON WELCOMES THE CREW OF APOLLO 11 HOME.

Life is marked by moments in history. I was seven when Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins went for a trip to the moon. I remember sitting around our old black and white tv with family and my dad telling me that what was about to happen was the most important thing that had ever happened and that I would rremember it to my dying day. Being seven that was a pretty big deal. It was a then and now moment. Yesterday was different to tomorrow. The world turned but all eyes were to the heavens. No doubt I'll post more from our adventures in the cosmos but I wanted to post this particular one first because when I first saw it after returning to school after the summer holidays I asked my teacher why they were locked in a tin can. "Do they have moon flu or something?"

To be there at the dawn of a new age is a blessing as it makes one appreciated the achievements of the future even more. Thanks Neil, Buzz and Michael for showing me the amazing beauty beyond my own personal horizon.