The Columbus history began in Rome, Italy in January 1985, when ESA approved the eponymous Columbus program. Obviously, such a large program was only realizable on the basis of an international partnership. Actually, the idea had been around for many years and had long been a part of NASA’s plans. In the early 1980s, NASA started to persue the objective of developing a continuously manned station in low Earth orbit. Maneuvers (reboots): ~2-3º variation during a short period (1-2 orbits).įigure 5:Ěrtist's cut-away view of the Columbus module elements (image credit: ESA) Ěttitude variations of several degrees possible during docking operations ĝuring docking and/or maneuver periods:.The attitude can be predicted up with accuracy of approx 0.2º for up to 4 days. The attitude is measured with a periodicity of ~☐.5º in each axis over one orbit (smooth sinusoidal variation) The ISS attitude is measured with star trackers and rate gyros: LVLH during docking operations and maneuvers.Torque equilibrium attitude during normal operations (~ 10º nose down and a few degrees nose left, no role with respect to LVLH (Local Vertical / Local Horizontal).ISS attitude characteristics for Earth observation: As an observation platform, ISS covers ~85% of Earth's surface and ~95% of the population. The nodal regression is ~5º west/day, and the solar β angle is between 0º and ☗5º. Each successive orbit crosses the equator 22.5º to the west of the preceding orbit. Orbit of ISS: Near-circular LEO (Low Earth Orbit), nominal altitude range of 340-460 km, inclination = 51.6º, ~16 orbits/day. The Columbus module is permanently docked to the ISS with an expected life of 10 years.įigure 1: Illustration of the STS-122 payload hardware in the Shuttle bay (image credit: NASA) On Febru(four days after launch), the Columbus module was attached to the starboard side of the Node 2 module of ISS. Launch: The Columbus module was launched on Shuttle flight STS-122 (assembly flight 1E of Atlantis) of NASA on Febru(13 day mission). Table 1: Overview of some Columbus laboratory parameters 4) Heat rejection load: Up to 22 kW through moderate and low temperature cooling loops Columbus module is attached to the Node 2 starboard docking port Module length = 6.9 m, outside diameter = 4.5 mħ5 m 3 (total), a volume of 25 m 3 is being used for the 10 payload racks State-of-the-art research facility and Europe's first permanent outpost in orbitġ0,275 kg (empty), 12,775 kg (mass at launch containing 2500 kg of payload mass) Pressurized science laboratory with 10 internal ISPR (International Standard Payload Rack) spaces In addition, an external payload facility hosts experiments and applications in the field of space science, Earth observation and technology demonstrations. The Columbus module provides internal accommodation for experiments in the field of multidisciplinary research into material science, fluid physics and life science. The 4.5 m diameter cylindrical module of 6.9 m in length is equipped with flexible research facilities that offer extensive science capabilities. The Columbus laboratory is ESA's biggest single contribution to the International Space Station.