Columbus Science Laboratory

Launch data: Designation  3248x / 08005x Launch date - time  07 Feb 2008 - 19:45 UT Launch site  KSC, LC39A Launch vehicle  Space Shuttle Atlantis #29 Mass (kg)  10700 kg Docking date - time   2008 - UT Target spacecraft/port  ISS/xx Mission  ESA ISS module

Spacecraft data: Prime contractor   Alenia Spazio Operator   Mass at launch  12775 kg Payload Mass  2500 kg Basic shape  cylinder Dimension (m)  6.87m long, 4.48m largest dia Solar array  none Stabilization   DC power

Description:

• “Columbus“ is a 12,775-kg research laboratory which is permanantly attached to the International Space Station to provides internal payload accommodation for experiments in the field of multidisciplinary research into material science, fluid physics and life science. In addition, an external payload facility hosts experiments and applications in the field of space science, Earth observation and technology. Attached to ISS Node 2 Harmony starboard docking port, Columbus is equipped with flexible reseach facilities that offer extensive science capabilities. It is ESA's biggest single contribution to the International Space Station.
• During its 10-year projected lifespan, the 4.5-metre diameter, with 75 cubic metres of space inside, cylindrical laboratory will be able to conduct thousands of experiments all in the weightlessness of orbit. The Columbus laboratory has room for ten International Standard Payload Racks (ISPRs), eight situated in the sidewalls, and two in the ceiling area. Each rack is the size of a telephone booth and able to host its own autonomous and independent laboratory, complete with power and cooling systems and video and data links back to researchers on Earth. Outside its comfortable, pressurized hull, Columbus has four mounting points for external payloads. Exposed to the vacuum of space, and with an unhindered view of the Earth and outer space, science packages can investigate anything from the ability of bacteria to survive on an artificial meteorite to volcanic activity 400 km below on the Earth.

Mission details:

• Columbus was officially attached to ISS on 11 February 2008 at 16h44 EST.
  
  
  
  

  Columbus module by ISS-36 exp.