The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Science and discovery in space
The Columbus laboratory designed and built in Europe, will be launched on the US space shuttle STS-122 mission. ESA astronaut Hans Schlegel will take part in this mission, undertaking two extravehicular activities or spacewalks to help install Columbus. ESA’s Leopold Eyharts will remain onboard the ISS for two months to test all systems and prepare the laboratory for operational use. He will be the first European astronaut to carry out science experiments onboard Europe’s new permanent laboratory in space.
Columbus will be equipped with dedicated research racks such as Biolab, the Fluid Science Laboratory, and the European Physiology Module which will be integrated into the laboratory pre-launch. It will also carry external platforms for experiments that require direct exposure to the space environment.
Experiments carried out onboard Columbus will be monitored and controlled via the Columbus Control Centre together with dedicated User Support and Operations Centres in many ESA member states.