- US Shuttle "Discovery" to deliver the external stowage platform ESP built by EADS SPACE Transportation
- Tools and spare parts for outboard manoeuvres within easy reach for astronauts
Washington, 11 July 2005 - European high technology will be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) following the launch of the US Space Shuttle "Discovery". The Shuttle will carry the external stowage platform ESP, which was developed by EADS SPACE. This platform will be attached to the outside of the space station for the next 15 years. It will allow astronauts to stow tools and spare parts on a platform outside the space station for the first time. Another version of the ESP has already flown on five missions to the International Space Station aboard the Shuttle.
"We are very proud that NASA is using our concept – based on European engineering, effectively endorsing the quality of our products and expertise," said Uwe Pape, Project Manager of EADS SPACE Transportation, in Washington D.C. on Monday. "The ESP payload and work platform is small but very effective. It ensures best use of the Shuttle cargo bay and makes the astronauts' work much easier," Pape continued. For the first time, engineers from the European space industry will work directly with NASA in Shuttle payload integration, with EADS assuming mission responsibility. On day nine after launch, ESP-2 will be attached to the ISS airlock during the third outboard mission.
The Shuttle's return to flight is of great importance to Europe and the European space industry. Europe has a share of some 8% in the space station programme. Germany is the leading partner with about 40% of the entire European workload. Under contract to the European Space Agency ESA, EADS SPACE Transportation is the industrial prime contractor for the development, construction and operation of the European ISS components. The space laboratory Columbus, Europe's core contribution to the ISS, is currently being built by EADS SPACE Transportation in Bremen. As the Columbus laboratory can only be carried to the International Space Station aboard a Space Shuttle, the Shuttle's return to flight is of particular importance to Europe.
EADS SPACE Transportation is the European leader in civil and military space transportation and manned spaceflight. EADS SPACE Transportation is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS SPACE. In 2004, EADS SPACE achieved a turnover of €2.6 billion with a labour force of 11,000 in France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
Contact:
Dr. Mathias Spude
Phone: +49-421-539-5710
