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Columbus laboratory
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Columbus facilities
BiolabEuropean Drawer Rack (EDR)European Physiology Modules (EPM)European Transport Carrier (ETC)Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL)Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG)
External payloads
EUTEFSOLAR
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European Columbus laboratory
 
Cut-away view of the Columbus Laboratory
Cut-away view of the Columbus Laboratory
 
Research laboratory which is permanantly attached to the International Space Station and 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.
 
Dimensions 
Total module length6 871 mm
Largest diameter4 477 mm
Total internal volume75 m3
Total volume of payload racks25 m3
 
 
Mass budget 
Mass without payload10 275 kg
Launch mass12 775 kg (2500 kg payload)
Maximum payload mass9 000 kg (maximum)
Maximum on orbit mass21 000 kg
 
 
Flight Hardware
Biolab, Fluid Science Laboratory, European Physiology Module, European Drawer Rack
European Transport Carrier
Data and mission computers Command/Measurement Units, High rate multiplexer, Mass Memory Unit
Video Camera (2), and Monitor Audio system, Master Alarm Light panel (2), Fire extinguisher (2)
Portable Breathing Apparatus (2), Inter Module Ventilation valves and fans
Thermal Control System valves, Power Distribution Unit, Vital Telemetry Computer units
Heat exchangers, Circulation Fan Assembly and External Payload Facility (4)
 
 
External view of the Columbus Laboratory
External view of the Columbus laboratory
 
Launch configuration 
 Fluid Science Laboratory, European Physiology Module, Biolab, European Drawer Rack
 European Transportation Carrier
Remaining racks will be installed while on orbit.
Launch vehicleSpace Shuttle Atlantis - STS-122
Launch siteKennedy Space Center
Launch date7 February 2008
 
 
On-orbit configuration 
Payload accommodationAttached to Node 2 starboard docking port
 10 International Standard Payload Racks (ISPR) (max. 998 kg each)
 4 external payload facilities
(max. 370 kg each)
 
 
Environmental control 
Supported crew3
Cabin temperatureBetween 16° and 27°C
Air pressureBetween 959 and 1013 hPa
Heat rejectionUp to 22 kW through moderate and low temperature cooling loops
 
 
Main contractor
EADS Space Transportations, leading a consortium of many sub-contractors
 
 
Last update: 8 August 2008
 


Columbus Mission
Columbus facilities
BiolabEuropean Drawer Rack (EDR)European Physiology Modules (EPM)European Transport Carrier (ETC)Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL)Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG)
External payloads
European Technology Exposure Facility (EuTEF)SOLAR
 
 
 
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