| Andy's_Corner Spaceflight Topic |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_lab
Has the following internal payload racks at launch:
- Biolab - supports experiments on micro-organisms, cells and tissue cultures, and even small plants and small insects.
- EPM (European Physiology Modules Facility) - a set of experiments that will be used to investigate the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. Experiment results will also contibute to an increased understanding of age-related bone loss, balance disorders and other ailments back on Earth.
- FSL (Fluid Science Laboratory) - will accommodate experiments in the strange behaviour of weightless liquids. These too, could bring far-reaching benefits on Earth: better ways to clean up oil spills, for example, and even improved manufacture of optical lenses.
- EDR (European Drawer Rack) - is a modular and flexible experiment carrier system for a large variety of scientific disciplines, providing basic accommodation and resources for experiment modules housed within standardised drawers and lockers.
- ETC (European Transport Carrier) - accommodates items for transport and stowage. In orbit ETC will serve as a workbench and stowage facility.
Has the following external payloads at launch:
- EuTEF (European Technology Exposure Facility) - carries experiments requiring exposure to the space environment.
- SOLAR - a platform with three scientific instruments to study solar-related phenomena.