The Space Window

The Space Window, gift of former NASA Administrator Thomas O. Paine, symbolizes both spiritual and scientific connections to the mystery of the cosmos and is one of the best-loved stained glass windows at the Cathedral.

It is also unique in appearance, departing from the traditional three-panel concept by filling all three lancets with one design. Photographs taken during the Apollo 11 mission provided inspiration to St. Louis artist Rodney Winfield for the color palette. A thin, white line among the dark spheres and tiny stars suggests the trajectory of a spaceship. The inscription “Is not God in the height of Heaven?” (Job 22:12) appears at the window’s base.

A small round piece of white glass, shining from the center of a deep red upper sphere, contains a 2 3/8" sliver of moon rock as its centerpiece. Sealed between tempered glass and steel in an inert nitrogen environment, the basalt chip is approximately 3.6 billion years old and contains the previously unknown mineral pyroxferroite.