Bartolomeo before flight

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.