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
Go to topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
Bartolomeo facility before at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, in preparation for its launch to the International Space Station. Named after Christopher Columbus’ younger brother, Bartolomeo will host experiments from commercial and institutional organisations that want to capitalise on access to space as well as hosting experiments from ESA, NASA and more.
Bartolomeo is built and operated by Airbus but hosted by ESA on the International Space Station. The facility will be installed on the outside of the European Columbus laboratory with a clear view of Earth.
Bartolomeo will fly to space in the external cargo hold of the Dragon and will be moved into position on Columbus by the Station’s robotic arm.
Bartolomeo is the first European external commercial facility on the International Space Station, offering a high-speed data feed and a unique view of Earth and deep space, the versatile service provides easy access to space at competitive pricing and will expand the use of Europe’s assets on the International Space Station for many years to come.