Above: Artist's view of Bartolomeo.
Copyright 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 three months. The payload accommodation allows slots for a wide range of payload mass going from five to 450 kg. 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.