Columbus in Space

Book excerpt: In 2008, Europe’s first space laboratory was launched to the International Space Station. Ten years later, the Columbus laboratory is still circling 400 km above our heads at 28,800 km/h, providing scientists a place to run out-of-this-world experiments on everything from cold plasma technology that will destroy unwanted odours to enzymes that may slow the ageing process. To celebrate a decade of European science and technology in space this stunning book recounts the story of the Columbus laboratory from vision to mission, revealing everything from the daily operations that keep it humming, to the cutting-edge science that takes place inside. Richly illustrated with graphics and statistics of life and research in space as well as full-colour photos, Columbus in Space offers a never-seen-before glimpse into the laboratory at the forefront of humanity’s exploration of our Universe -- Europe's space in space.