A stunning time-lapse video of Earth, captured by NASA astronaut Zena Cardman during a recent orbital maneuver, is offering a breathtaking new perspective on our planet. The footage, shared on social media February 17, 2026, compresses time to reveal a mesmerizing display of sunsets, storms, airglow, moon glint, stars, and sunrises as the International Space Station (ISS) performed a rare “somersault,” according to Cardman’s post on X (formerly Twitter). The maneuver, connected to SpaceX’s CRS-33 mission, allowed for a unique view of Earth’s dynamic beauty.
The 60x speed timelapse showcases the ISS flipping “butt-first” and then back again, a process typically uncommon for the station. Cardman described the experience as fortunate, noting that these maneuvers occurred before and after a reboost provided by the SpaceX CRS-33 mission. The resulting video provides a seamless sweep across the globe, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, highlighting the planet’s natural phenomena in a captivating way.
“The @Space_Station rarely makes massive changes to its orientation, but we were lucky to experience such maneuvers (flipping around to fly butt-first, then flipping back again) before and after each @spacexCRS-33 reboost,” Cardman wrote in her post. She added that this particular timelapse was a favorite, as it “captured a little of everything.”
The @Space_Station rarely makes big changes to its orientation, but we were lucky to experience such maneuvers (flipping around to fly butt-first, then flipping back again) before and after each @spacex CRS-33 reboost. This 60x speed timelapse was one of my favorites since it… pic.twitter.com/7IsZnb1G7G— Zena Cardman (@zenanaut) February 17, 2026
Cardman is currently a commander of NASA’s Crew-11 mission, contributing to ongoing research during Expeditions 73 and 74 aboard the ISS. Her background as a geobiologist, focused on life in extreme environments, has proven valuable in her space-based research. Prior to her role on the ISS, Cardman studied life in challenging locations such as caves and deep seas, preparing her for the unique demands of space exploration.
A Background in Extreme Environments
Zena Cardman joined NASA in 2017, bringing with her a unique skillset honed through expeditions in Antarctica. These experiences, according to NASA documentation, sharpened her abilities in conducting research spanning human physiology in microgravity and the development of advanced materials. Her work builds on a foundation of understanding how life adapts to and thrives in harsh conditions, a perspective directly applicable to the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.
The SpaceX CRS-33 mission itself is part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services program, designed to deliver essential cargo to the ISS. These missions are crucial for maintaining the station’s operational capabilities and supporting the scientific research conducted by its crew. The reboost maneuvers, like the one Cardman’s timelapse captured, are necessary to counteract the effects of atmospheric drag and maintain the ISS’s optimal orbit.
The International Space Station frequently adjusts its orientation to optimize conditions for scientific experiments, communication with Earth, and solar energy collection. However, the dramatic “somersault” maneuver captured in Cardman’s video is less common, making the resulting footage particularly special. According to a Facebook post from Space.com, the ISS changes its orientation “before and after each Spacex CRS-33 reboost.”
The captivating timelapse serves as a powerful reminder of Earth’s fragility and beauty, viewed from a unique vantage point. It also highlights the ongoing collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Looking ahead, NASA and SpaceX are preparing for further resupply missions and continued research aboard the ISS. The next scheduled cargo launch, CRS-34, is currently slated for late March 2026, according to NASA’s launch schedule. This mission will deliver additional supplies and scientific equipment to the station, enabling ongoing experiments and supporting the crew’s work.
What are your thoughts on this stunning view of Earth? Share your reactions in the comments below, and feel free to share this article with others who appreciate the wonders of space exploration.
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