Europe and the International Space Station
The International Space Station, ISS, is the world’s largest-ever international scientific venture, a permanent human outpost in space. The partnership includes the USA, Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe.
Orbiting 400 km above us, the Space Station offers unique opportunities to observe our planet, carry out research in space - weightlessness, radiation, vacuum and extreme temperatures - and prepare for human exploration of the Solar System.
ESA is responsible for two key ISS elements: the Columbus research laboratory, and five automated Transfer Vehicles, ATV, for delivery of supplies.
A European Service Module will power NASA’s Orion spacecraft to carry astronauts further into space than ever before.
The Columbus laboratory
The Cupola
The Automated Transfer Vehicle
European Service Module for Orion
