Columbus Finally Gets To Make Journey Aboard Atlantis

The European Space Agency’s Columbus laboratory, developed with Thales Alenia Space as the main contributor, has been successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the International Space Station (ISS).

The shuttle Atlantis lifted off at 20:45 CET and entered orbit perfectly and will dock to the ISS after a 2-day journey. The multi-purpose pressurized module Columbus, with its planned operational lifetime of ten years, is Europe’s first laboratory for long-term research in microgravity environment. Columbus will be permanently docked to the Node 2 (Harmony). Thales Alenia Space was in charge of the micrometeoritic protection system (MDPS: Meteorite and Debris Protection System), the active and passive Thermal Control System (TCS), the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the harness and all related Ground Support Equipments (GSE). It also contributed to some of the main system functionality, including the subsystem and payload control, the temperature control, the cabin atmosphere control, and the fire surveillance system.

NASA reports the STS-122 crew is extremely busy this first day in orbit. The heat shield for the Atlantis is being inspected through the use of the robotic arm to view the underside, nose cap and leading wing edges of the spacecraft. Other preparations are being made for the arrival at ISS tomorrow including an extension of the shuttle’s docking ring and tools check-out for the rendezvous and linkup with the station. In addition to the Columbus lab delivery, ESA astronaut Leopold Eyharts will be aboard to replace Flight Engineer Daniel Tani for a stay aboard ISS.