An artist's impression of Columbus, a cutaway view, the European laboratory module of the International Space Station. Credits: ESA - D.Ducros

Atlantis readies for Columbus mission

Excitement is building on both sides of the Atlantic as the long-awaited launch of ESA’s Columbus space laboratory grows closer, as NASA starts processing
Shuttle Atlantis in preparation for the mission.

Columbus was flown to Florida on 30 May 2006. Earlier this year, it was removed from temporary storage, and the 12.8 tonne International Space Station (ISS) module is now fully outfitted with its experiment racks and orbital hardware.

Columbus was flown to Florida in May 2006

At the moment, engineers are installing the trunnions that will secure the 4.5 metre diameter aluminium cylinder in the Shuttle payload bay.

The next step is to mount the panels that will protect the lab from potentially damaging micrometeorite impacts.

Full ESA Story at
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMJY2HYX3F_index_0.html

It is planned that Columbus will carry antennas for the Amateur Radio 1.2 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands.

Ariss antenna cables on Columbus
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/may2006/
ariss_antennas_columbus.htm

Call for donations for ARISS Antennas on Columbus
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2007/
ariss_antenna_donations.htm