Columbus: the European space lab

Columbus is a pressurised laboratory 6.7 metres long and 4.5 metres in diameter, with its own survival system. Three astronaut-researchers will be able to carry out a range of experiments, covering material sciences, medicine, pharmaceuticals, human physiology, biology, Earth observation, fluid physics and astronomy. It will be permanently docked to the ISS, operating for at least 15 years.

During the programme Astrium has successfully managed 41 subcontractors from 14 countries, bringing together an exceptional combination of state-of-the art space engineering expertise.

Astrium delivered Columbus to NASA on schedule in May 2006. Successful launch and docking to the ISS took place in February 2008.