International Space Station

Norwegian deliveries to the ISS development phase amount to a total of more than NOK 150 million (about €18.4 million). Cap Gemini Norge has worked together with German and Belgian companies to develop software that automatically checks out and tests the Columbus European Laboratory Facility prior to launch. The system has also been delivered to the USA and to Russia for testing their ISS modules.

The Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (MARINTEK) has supplied logistics planning for the development phase and, from 2002 on, is assisting ESA in the operational phase.

ATV - Automated Transfer Vehicle. Illustration: ESA / D. Ducros.

ATV
The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will play a crucial role in the operational phase as a ferry for fuel, experiments and supplies from Earth. After launch on an Ariane 5, it will detach and be automatically navigated to and docked with the Station. The first launch is planned for September 2004, and in all eight ATVs will be built. Norwegian companies are delivering Ariane 5 components for tens of millions of Euros.

Gas measurement tools for ISS
Starting in 2002, SINTEF and Kayser-Threde GmbH of Germany have developed a prototype gas measurement apparatus for monitoring indoor climate in the Station. The equipment employs optical technology in which beams of infrared light “see” gasses.

A smaller, lighter, improved version of the apparatus is now being developed and is scheduled for in-flight testing on a space mission in 2004.