Installing cables for Bartolomeo inside Columbus

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir installed cables and equipment in preparation for the Barolomeo payload on the International Space Station in February 2020.

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.