The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Columbus laboratory is ESA's largest single contribution to the International Space Station. Attached to the station in 2008 it is the first permanent European outpost in space.
The multi-purpose science and technology laboratory is almost 7 metres long with a diameter of 4.5 metres. It provides scientists with a unique, research environment to conduct world-class studies in life and physical sciences. Using broadband telecommunications, experiments can be controlled from several User Centres across Europe, and even directly from the scientists’ workplace via the Columbus Control Centre in Germany.
Experiments cover a broad range of fields including fundamental, fluid and combustion physics, material sciences, space biology, human physiology and technology. Results will help understand the causes, prevention and treatment of certain diseases and may lead to new manufacturing processes on Earth.
External platforms attached to Columbus host experiments requiring direct exposure to space, testing, for example how living organisms survive in such extreme conditions.