The Columbus laboratory

Scheduled for launch in the next few weeks, the Columbus laboratory is one of ESA's main contributions to the ISS.

This multi-purpose science and technology laboratory, about 7 metres long and with a diameter of 4.5 metres, will be permanently attached to the Station to provide facilities for studies to be carried out in material sciences, fluid physics and life science. Such studies may help to throw light on everything from the causes, prevention and treatment of disease to the introduction of new manufacturing processes on Earth.

Platforms attached outside Columbus will host experiments and applications in the fields of space science, and technology. For example, scientists will investigate how bacteria survive in space in extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. An unhindered view of the Sun will also allow studies of the irradiance of the Sun.

Columbus will also become a classroom for educational experiments and activities that will seek to inspire the younger generations to take up professional careers in science and engineering.