Year In Space: Astronaut Scott Kelly’s Best Photos From The International Space Station
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly blasted off to the International Space Station in March 2015 as part of the ‘Year in Space’ mission. The goal was for both Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Korniyenko to spend 340 days in orbit to study the physical and psychological effects of long-term space travel on the human body. What’s more, ISS Commander Kelly’s identical twin brother Mark, a former astronaut, is acting as a control subject back on Earth so that the data can be compared when his brother returns. While in space, Scott Kelly has captured scores of amazing shots from the giant orbiting laboratory and here are just some of the best from his year in space…
Space flowers
After the on-board Zinnia seedlings started to perish, Kelly took over as space gardener and nursed them back to health before taking this stunning snap of the first flowers to bloom in space. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Soyuz sunset
On day 282 of the mission, Kelly snapped this spectacular shot of the parked Soyuz spacecraft silhouetted against a colourful sunset. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Twins
A great shot taken before the launch shows Scott Kelly (right) standing face to face with his twin brother Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and the Earth-bound control subject for the ‘Year in Space’ study. (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Eye of the storm
Taken in 2015, this startling picture shows the incredible sight of Hurricane Patricia as it approached Mexico. Kelly posted it with the words: “It’s massive,” along with a warning to stay safe. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Space walk selfie
As a veteran astronaut on a mission of record-breaking length, Kelly has had plenty of time to perfect his selfie game, snapping this superb shot while on a spacewalk. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Year in space
This Earth-based portrait shows Kelly alongside cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko who is also spending a year on the ISS as part of the ‘Year in Space’ study. (NASA/Bill Stafford)
Good morning Las Vegas!
This striking image shows the Neon lights of the Las Vegas strip and the surrounding suburbs standing out against the darkness of the Nevada desert. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
The moon
On day 217 of the mission, Kelly captured this terrific shot of the moon and posted it with the words: “May the howling begin”. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Glass bottom spaceship
Described by Kelly as “glass bottom spaceship over the Bahamas, this brilliant photo shows the view of the aquamarine Caribbean Sea as soon through the space station’s cupola. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Earth art
Kelly has posted a series of striking photos using the hashtag #EarthArt showing how beautiful and unusual the landscapes of Earth can look from space. This one was posted with the words: “Out of Africa”. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Ground control to Major Tim
After a nail-biting wait while the Soyuz docking systems were being checked after arrival at the space station, Kelly captured the moment that British astronaut Tim Peake finally floated through the air lock as the first Brit to visit ISS. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Space witch
On Halloween, Kelly posted a series of spooky images including this stunning aurora that appears to take the shape of a sinister witch’s face. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Honouring Martin Luther King
Kelly posted this view of the planet to honour the legendary civil rights leader on Martin Luther King Day with the proverb: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the smallest step.” (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Green sky
This fantastic shot shows a glowing green aurora combined with the purple glow of swirling clouds above the Earth. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Super Bowl Sunday
Kelly has posted many pictures of American football arenas on game day and even managed a quick stop at San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium to ‘see’ the 50th Super Bowl. He said: “Got to see the #SuperBowl in person after all! But at 17,500MPH, it didn’t last long”. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
Peake makes history
On 15 January 2016, Tim Peake became the first British astronaut to carry out a space walk and Kelly captured this shot of the suited-up astro before he ventured outside of the ISS. He tweeted it with the words: “Union Jack going out in #space for the first time! Proudly worn by @Astro_TimPeake”. (Scott Kelly/NASA)
