Columbus in Space
A Voyage of Discovery on the International Space Station
📘 About This Book
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.
📖 Summary
Columbus in Space, published in 2018 by The European Space Agency to mark a major milestone, chronicles the incredible decade-long journey of Europe's first space laboratory. Spanning 114 pages, this stunningly illustrated volume takes readers on a journey 400 kilometres above our heads, where the Columbus laboratory relentlessly circles the Earth at an astonishing speed of 28,800 kilometres per hour. The book opens by tracing the origins of the Columbus laboratory, detailing how a grand vision transformed into a functioning mission following its launch to the International Space Station in 2008. From its initial conceptualization to the complex engineering required to build and deploy it, the book highlights the dedication, innovation, and international cooperation necessary to establish a permanent European research outpost in orbit. Readers are given a rare look into the daily operations that keep the laboratory humming smoothly day in and day out, ensuring the safety and productivity of the astronauts who live and work there. Beyond the mechanics of spaceflight, the core of the book focuses on the cutting-edge science that takes place inside the module. It showcases out-of-this-world experiments spanning diverse fields, including cold plasma technology with practical applications like destroying unwanted odours, and biological studies involving enzymes that may hold the key to slowing the human ageing process. Richly illustrated throughout with eye-catching graphics, detailed statistics of life and research in space, and breathtaking full-colour photographs, Columbus in Space offers readers a never-seen-before visual and narrative window into humanity's ongoing quest for knowledge beyond our atmosphere. It serves as both a celebration of ten years of European science and technology in space and a testament to what can be achieved when scientific ambition reaches for the stars.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features stunning full-colour photographs of life and research in space
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the space laboratory
Highlights cutting-edge scientific experiments with real-world applications
Includes engaging graphics and detailed statistics about orbital flight
⚠️ Cons
Limited to a page count of 114, which may leave some readers wanting more depth
Focuses primarily on a single European agency's laboratory rather than the entire station
❓ FAQ
Who published the book Columbus in Space? +
The book was published by The European Space Agency.
When was Columbus in Space published? +
It was published in 2018 to celebrate a decade of European science and technology in space.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book spans 114 pages.
What is the Columbus laboratory? +
It is Europe's first space laboratory, launched in 2008 to the International Space Station.
What kind of experiments are featured in the book? +
It covers out-of-this-world experiments, including cold plasma technology and enzymes that may slow ageing.
