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11-May-2003 08:54:02 UT

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Columbus: European Laboratory

Cut-away view of the Columbus Laboratory

Research laboratory which is permenantly 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, technology and innovative sciences from space.

Launch configuration
	Fluid Science Laboratory, European Physiology Module, Biolab, European Drawer Rack
	European Stowage Rack Remaining racks will be installed while on orbit.
Launch vehicle	Space Shuttle (flight 1E)
Launch site	Kennedy Space Center
Launch date	October 2004

On-orbit configuration
Payload accommodation	Attached to Node 2 starboard docking port. 10 International Standard Payload Racks (ISPR)
	(maximum 1.5 m³ or 700 kg each) 4 external payload facilities

Flight Hardware
	Biolab, Fluid Science Laboratory, European Physiology Module, European Drawer Rack
	European Stowage Rack (first 5 launched inside Columbus)
	Data and mission computers Command/Measurement Units, High rate multiplexer, Mass Memory Unit
	Video Camera (2), and Monitor Audio system, Master AlarmLight panel (2), Fire extinguisher (2)
	Portable Breathing Aperture (2), Inter Module Ventilation valves and fans
	Thermal Control System valves, Power Distribution Unit, Vital Telemetry Computer units
	Heat exchangers Circulation fan assy External payload facility (4)

External view of the Columbus laboratory

Dimensions
Total module length	6871 mm
Largest diameter	4477 mm
Total internal volume	75 m³
Total volume of payload racks	25 m³

Mass budget
Mass without payload	10 300 kg
Launch mass	12 800 kg (2500 kg payload)
Maximum payload mass	9000 kg (maximum)
Maximum on orbit mass	19 300 kg

Communications infrastructure
Down-link via Artemis	50 Mb/s (Ka-band)
Down-link via TDRS	50 Mb/s (Ku-band) 50 192 kb/s (S-band)
Up-link via TDRS	72 kb/s (S-band)

Environmental control
Supported crew	3
Cabin temperature	Between 16� and 30�C
Air pressure	Between 959 and 1013 hPa
Heat rejection	Up to 22 kW through moderate and low temperature cooling loops

Electrical power
Total power	20 kW (120 V dc) provided by the station
Payload power	13.5 kW

Construction material
Pressure shell	Aluminum 22 194 mm thick, increasing to 7 mm for the end-cones
Micrometeoroid and Debris Protection System	Aluminium bumper made of Al-6061-T6 for the primary barrier
	Kevlar/resin panels for secondary barrier
Thermal Protection Material	Goldised Kapton Multi Layer Insulation blanket
Internal secondary structure	Aluminum 7475 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum 2024
External payload facility	Aluminum 7075 Aluminum 7050
Payload Racks	Carbon fiber: NASA racks Aluminum 7075: ESA racks
Noise reduction	Heavy double acoustic barrier material: (multi layer cloth material)

Main contractor
	Astrium GmbH (Bremen, Germany), leading a consortium of many sub-contractors

Last update: 24 July 2001

	Columbus Laboratory





	Automated Transfer Vehicle





	Doing business in space





	See the ISS





	Building the ISS

	Fluid Science Laboratory

	European Physiology Modules (EPM)

	BIOLAB: Biological Experiment laboratory in Columbus

	European Drawer Rack (EDR)

	Material Science Laboratory Electromagnetic Levitator (MSL-EML)