Nasa puts space station software to the test

This computer terminal is the same as one used to control a robotic arm onboard the ISS.

The lab runs new software on the terminal to check the code will work properly in orbit.

The three upper displays seen here show video feeds from a camera on the arm, allowing crew members to use the joystick to steer the arm to its target.

The station's main robotic arm is used for a wide range of purposes, including station assembly, maintenance and anchoring astronauts during spacewalks.

Pictured here is one of the space station's motor berth controllers, which attach spacecraft to the station during the docking process.

The device controls the automated bolts that secure visiting spacecraft to the space station.

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Photos: Nasa's space station computing centre on silicon.com.