The European Multi-User Facilities for the Columbus Laboratory

Introduction The Columbus laboratory, planned for launch in 2004, will accommodate the following multiuser facilities: – Biolab – Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) – European Physiology Modules (EPM) – European Drawer Rack (EDR) – European Stowage Rack (ESR) – Materials Science Laboratory (MSL). of activities such as fundamental physics, solidification physics (e.g. crystal growth, metallurgy), physical chemistry, fluid science, biology, biotechnology, human physiology and medicine. These areas cover the largest group of European users of the Space Station. The objective of the ESA Microgravity and Life Sciences Programme is to have materials and fluid sciences, biology and human physiology continuously aboard the Station in order to maximise the return to European scientists. Until 1996, the microgravity effort was funded only via the European Microgravity Research Programmes EMIR-1 and -2. In January 1997, the MFC Programme was initiated, complementing EMIR-2; it covers the development of a set of multi-user microgravity facilities in Columbus and, via Co-operative Agreements with NASA, in the US Laboratory (e.g. MSL).