ESA Excited to Add A Laboratory to Space Station

On December 6, 2007, that Space Shuttle Atlantis will launch with the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus Space Laboratory to attach it to the International Space Station (ISS). It was originally scheduled to launch in 2002 but after the Columbia disaster and other ISS delays, the mission was delayed for five years.

The lab arrived in Florida in May of 2006. NASA is currently inspecting and preparing the Columbus Lab for its December launch. Inspectors will examine the lab for air leaks, check the electrical system, look for leaks in the water cooling system.

An artist's impression of Columbus, a cutaway view, the European laboratory module of the International Space Station. Image Credit: ESA / D.Ducros

The Columbus Project Manager, Bernardo Patti said, "Once Columbus is operational, we will have a permanent presence on the Station. We will own our own real estate... ESA will be able to meet its scientific objectives as a full partner, sharing resources with other ISS participants rather than simply purchasing them."

When the lab is attached, astronauts will finally be able to conduct experiments and research that they have waited five years to do.

Original Article: ESA

ESA Considers Building a Shuttle of their Own

The European Space Agency (ESA) has held meetings a few meetings, with more to come this month, discussing possible plans to build a possible 'Space Shuttle' of their own. The ESA does not want to be fully dependant on NASA's Orion shuttle in the future. They want to be able to have a way to reach space; to deliver experiments, cargo, and conduct research on their own. And if any of NASA's vehicles fails, then the ESA wants to have a backup of their own so they don't face any delays.

ESA's future space vehicle might be an advanced version of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, or it might be a completely new model and concept.

Russia's Soyuz might be enhanced or
a new concept might be undertaken

The ESA has given about $24 million dollars (U.S) for the study, which is lead by Russia, but if plans for the space vehicle are approved in the future; the agency will have to shell out hundreds of millions more.

Original Article: BBC