Captured against the stunning backdrop of infinite space, an astronaut floats precariously 225 miles above Earth as he tinkers with a greasy gummed-up joint.

On the 10th anniversary of the International Space Station, the mission specialist's every weightless movement is caught on camera as he carries out all-important repair works during one of four spacewalks.

Steve Bowen, STS-126 mission specialist, makes final repairs on the mission's fourth and final scheduled spacewalk. Bowen and astronaut Shane Kimbrough, completed the lubrication of the port Solar Alpha Rotary Joints (SARJ)

Astronaut Steve Bowen's face is visible as he waves to the camera during the final six-hour, seven-minute spacewalk

NASA has been closely following the crew with a video camera ever since the Endeavour space shuttle lit up the night sky over Florida with a mighty roar.

The seven astronauts were launched beyond Earth on a mission penned as 'Extreme Home Improvements'. They were scheduled to complete a 12-day service of the International Space Centre's degraded joints and install a new water recycling system, kitchen fridge and gym equipment.



Coverage has been so intimate that even astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper could not escape the prying lens when she dropped her tool bag into space.

Space makeover: Astronauts Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper (left) and Shane Kimbrough service one of the Solar Alpha Rotary Joints on the International Space Station

Close up: Steve Bowen completes some last greasy repairs on a gummed-up joint

The embarrassing slip-up went on to to receive thousands of hits on YouTube.

Nasa said astronauts have succeeded in fixing a new water system that works by purifying urine. It is essential if the space station is to home six crew members instead of three by next May.

The device, part of a $250 million new life-support system, shut down during three previous attempts to purify urine. Nasa wants the visiting shuttle Endeavour crew to bring home processed samples for analysis before declaring the water purification system suitable for use.



Space work: With the Earth glowing blue in the background Shane Kimbrough waves to the camera

All in a days work: Shane Kimbrough seen on during his space walk as he carries out construction and maintenance on the International Space Station

NASA is also testing the station's newly repaired solar wing rotary joint, which was cleaned and restored during four spacewalks by Endeavour astronauts.

The joint had been contaminated by metal filings, prompting NASA to lock it in place to prevent damage. Immobilizing the wing, however, prevented panels from tracking the sun for full power.

While the crews slept, engineers on the ground watched as the joint automatically pivoted to track the sun for the first time in a year.

Out of this world: The International Space Station floats above the breathtaking backdrop of Earth

Repair man: Steve Bowen is still trying to unjam a join on a power-generating solar wing

Endeavour is due back at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Sunday after 16 days in orbit.

NASA plans eight more flights to the station, a $100 billion project of 16 nations, before the shuttles are retired in 2010.

Nasa and Russia have been building the space station since 1998. Europe, Canada and Japan are also project participants.



