Spectacular Space Shuttle Flight Decks [10 Photos]

Every since Neil Armstrong’s untimely death last month, space and everything space-related has been a hot topic on the web. I can’t get enough of it, and I wish it were like this all the time. These photographs I’d like to share with you today are so incredible, I can’t stop staring at them. If you’ve ever wondered what space shuttle flight decks look like up close, now is your chance. You can click each one of the photographs below to super-size it, and you’ll feel like you are right there.

These are part of a photography collection by Ben Cooper called Flight Decks. You will see photos below from the flight decks of all three space shuttles: Endeavour (fully powered), Atlantis and Discovery.

At first glance, they all look like massive video game control centers. No wonder astronauts have to train for so long. Can you imagine being up in space, with nobody else around, and having to know what every single one of those controls does? I have to admit though; the chairs look rather uncomfortable. I know they have to sit in them for a long period of time, so it seems like putting a little cushion on there might be nice. But then again, I’m sure a cozy place to sit is probably not at the top of an astronaut’s list of important things.

If I could take an in-person tour of one of these flight decks, I would choose the Endeavour. There has always been something sentimental about that space shuttle to me, and these pictures truly bring it to life. If you would like to see the entire collection of photographs (there are tons more) or even purchase a print of one of these famous flight decks, you can visit Ben Cooper’s website at Launch Photography.