The Columbus laboratory is ESA’s research laboratory on the International Space Station. It provides space for research facilities in the fields of material science, fluid physics and life science and its addition changed the shape of European participation on board. However, its launch came at a difficult time for human spaceflight.
Launch your day the right way with a new episode of #ESAExplores Time & Space. In this #podcast episode we revisit the early days of @esa's Columbus laboratory & hear how this – along with ATV – changed ESA's presence on the @Space_Station. https://t.co/qLXAbLbhNo #ExploreFarther pic.twitter.com/EN6BgOzI48
— Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) March 17, 2021
In the full episode, hosts Stephen Ennis and Alison Koehler talk to two people who were there at this critical time in European spaceflight history: former ESA ISS programme manager Bernardo Patti and ESA astronaut Frank De Winne. You’ll hear about Columbus’ launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, the tragedy that preceded it, and what the science lab – along with Europe’s Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) programme has enabled for Europeans in space to this day.
Don’t forget, ESA is opening applications for its 2021-22 astronaut selection on 31 March 2021. For more on how you can be part of a new era of space exploration visit the website esa.int/yourwaytospace
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