Utilisation and operation of the ISS

© NASA

Scientists naturally want to use the ISS to make advances in fundamental research. But its capabilities intrigue other communities as well, especially industry. ESA and NASA have opened the programme to private participation, with plans for industry to take over operation of the ISS.

In March 2005 EADS Astrium and Alcatel Alenia Space formed a joint venture for the operation and utilisation of the European part of the International Space Station. This new joint company, EURISS, acts as ‘mediator’ between ESA and those industries who want to do research in the particular environment that space provides.

Once in orbit, scientists will be able to control and monitor their experiment from their home laboratory on the ground. Control and user centres all over the world will provide necessary databases as well as communication infrastructure. Astrium was responsible for the equipment and software development of these centres.