Columbus

 2008-005

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The ESA COF lab module was built by EADS/Bremen, formerly DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (DASA) Space Infrastructure of Munchen, with an outer shell by Alenia/Torino based on the MPLM. It will be 6.7m long and 4.5m in diameter with a mass of 9500 kg empty. Columbus is named after Cristoforo Colon (1451-1506), the explorer. The full COF is 8m long 4.5m dia. Mass is 10230 kg (or 9900 kg) empty; it is launched with 2500 kg of payload, for a launch mass of 12077 kg (FRR; 12730 kg or 12250 kg, AWST Aug 06) with a further 7660 kg to be added on orbit.

The ETC (European Transport Carrier) ISPR-class rack is used for transport of payload items to orbit using CTBs (Cargo Transfer Bags) and as a workbench and stowage on orbit. It will eventually be replaced by another rack and be returned and reused aboard MPLM flights.

Early suggested CEPF payloads include: ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space); Solar (solar irradiance measurements on coarse pointing device); EXPOSE (life sciences exposure), SPORt (Sky Polarization Observatory, all sky polarization in 20-90GHz range), EuTEF (technology experiments)

Payload:

• FSL Fluid Science Lab; Rack location O1 (Overhead) (launch on COF) *

• ETC European Transport Carrier; Rack location O2 (launch on COF at D4; stay at D4?)

• ZSR Stowage Rack location O3

• ZSR Stowage Rack location O4 (EDR is at O4 at launch)

• ER6 Express Rack 6; Rack location A1 (Aft) (launch on UNK)

• Biolab Rack location A2 (launch on COF in O2 pos, moved) *

• ZSR Stowage rack, launch at A2 then moved

• EPM European Physiology Modules, Rack Location A3; launch on COF at O4 *

• HRF-2 Human Research Facility, Rack Location A4; launched on STS-114

• System rack Life support; Rack location D1 (Deck)

• System rack Rack location D2

• System rack Rack location D3

• Stowage rack Rack location D4

• EDR European Drawer Rack; Rack location F1(Fwd) (Launch on COF at O4) *

• MSG Micogravity Science Glovebox; Rack location F2; launched UF2 MPLM

• MARES Muscle Atrophy Research Exercise System; Rack location F3 (launch UF-3 MPLM)

• HRF-1 Human Research Facility-1; Rack location F4 (launched on Destiny)

• CEPF Columbus External Payload Facility (on end cone)