SpaceFacts

One of the most iconic images from the Space Shuttle era.

Captured on February 9, 2010, during mission STS-130, this photograph shows Space Shuttle Endeavour in silhouette as it approaches the International Space Station for docking.

The image was taken by astronauts aboard the ISS. What makes this shot truly special is the contrast the dark outline of the shuttle against Earth’s glowing atmospheric layers, transitioning from deep black space to warm orange and soft blue tones.

It’s a rare perspective that highlights both human engineering and the fragile beauty of our planet in a single frame.

On Friday (April 24), Hubble's 36th birthday, the Colorado-based spatial intelligence company Vantor published a stunning, close-up shot of the telescope that was taken the day before by one of its WorldView Legion Earth-observing satellites.

"Celebrating 36 years of discovery with the Hubble Space Telescope," Vantor wrote in an X post that shared the photo. "For over three decades, Hubble has expanded our understanding of the universe —delivering breathtaking imagery and groundbreaking science that continue to inspire. Proud to support the technologies and teams that make moments like this possible."