Burj Khalifa Captured from Space: NASA Astronaut Shares Stunning View
Have you ever wondered how the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, looks from space? NASA astronaut Don Pettit has provided an answer with a breathtaking image taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The stunning photograph, shared on social media, captures the illuminated Dubai skyline at night, with the Burj Khalifa shining like a jewel.
A Unique Perspective from Space
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building from space. pic.twitter.com/qK9rMmPbd7
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) February 2, 2025
Don Pettit, currently aboard the ISS as part of his latest mission, posted the extraordinary image with the caption, “Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building from space.” His remarkable photography from orbit has garnered admiration worldwide, as he continues to share awe-inspiring glimpses of Earth from above.
This is not Pettit’s first venture into space photography. As a seasoned astronaut, he frequently shares mesmerizing views of our planet, capturing everything from city lights to natural landscapes. His latest image of Burj Khalifa underscores the building’s grandeur, even when viewed from hundreds of kilometers above the Earth.
Don Pettit: A Veteran Astronaut
Don Pettit, also known as Donald R. Pettit, has a distinguished career in astronomy and space exploration. Before joining NASA, he worked as a staff scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1984 to 1996. He contributed to the Synthesis Group, a presidential commission led by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Stafford, which focused on developing technologies for lunar and Mars exploration.
Pettit first traveled to space in 2003, followed by another mission in 2008. In 2012, he was launched to the ISS aboard the Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft. His latest journey in 2024 saw him return to the ISS aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft, accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner.
Burj Khalifa: A Marvel of Engineering
Standing at 828 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa remains an architectural marvel. Designed by Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the construction of the skyscraper took six years to complete. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the mixed-use tower houses residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, symbolizing human innovation and ambition.
Pettit’s latest space snapshot adds yet another perspective to the legacy of the Burj Khalifa, highlighting its striking presence even from space. His image serves as a reminder of how far human ingenuity has come—both in architecture and space exploration.
