Tue, Mar 10, 2020
Module Launched Friday Aboard A SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket
The Airbus built Bartolomeo platform was successfully launched on March 06 from Cape Canaveral, FL. Bartolomeo arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) Monday, and will be installed outside of the Columbus Laboratory, the European module of the ISS built by Airbus.
Andreas Hammer, Airbus’ Head of Space Exploration said: “This unique platform will offer new and affordable Earth observation applications and give companies and research institutions the unique opportunity to explore their project quickly and easily in space.”
Bartolomeo - named after Christopher Columbus' younger brother - is funded by Airbus and will be operated with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA). The platform can host up to 12 different payload slots, providing them with a power supply and data transmission back to Earth.
Not only does this provide opportunities for Earth observation, but also environmental and climate research, robotics, material sciences, astrophysics or to test new technologies in space, paving the way for their commercialisation. The platform’s unique vantage point 400 kilometres above the Earth offers unobstructed views of our planet enabling the hosting of external payload in low-Earth-orbit.
Launch opportunities are available on every servicing mission to the ISS which is around every 3 months. The payload accommodation allows slots for a wide range of payload mass going from 5 to 450 kg (11 to 990 pounds). They will be provided with optical data downlink capacity of one to two Terabytes per day.
In just 12 months any payload can be prepared and ready to operate. Payload sizes, interfaces, preparation before launch and integration process are largely standardised. This reduces lead times and saves costs significantly compared to traditional mission costs.
Bartolomeo is an all-in-one mission service that pioneers sustainable space for a safe and united world.
(Image provided with Airbus news release)
More News
Decision Altitude (DA) A specified altitude (mean sea level (MSL)) on an instrument approach procedure (ILS, GLS, vertically guided RNAV) at which the pilot must decide whether to >[...]
Aero Linx: T-34 Association, Inc. The T-34 Association was formed in July 1975 so that individuals purchasing then military surplus T-34As had an organization which would provide s>[...]
As He Released The Brakes To Begin Taxiing, The Brake Pedals Went To The Floor With No Braking Action Analysis: The pilot reported that during engine start up, he applied the brake>[...]
“Legislation like the Mental Health in Aviation Act is still imperative to hold the FAA accountable for the changes they clearly acknowledge need to be made... We cannot wait>[...]
Also: IAE Acquires Diamond Trainers, Army Drones, FedEx Pilots Warning, DA62 MPP To Dresden Tech Uni The danger to the flight training industry and our future pilots is clear. Dona>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.08.25): Decision Altitude (DA)
See All