EADS-Built Columbus Space Laboratory Arrives in the U.S. For its 2007 Launch to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large orbital laboratory module, built by EADS as part of Europe's contribution to the International Space Station, was delivered to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida today.

The Columbus research module - developed and produced through a ten-year initiative led by EADS SPACE Transportation - is to be launched aboard the NASA Space Shuttle in the autumn of 2007. Once docked to the International Space Station (ISS), Columbus will significantly increase the facility's capacity to carry out experimentation in biotechnology, medicine, materials sciences, fluids sciences, human sciences and applied technology.

"Today's Columbus module delivery is another important step in the international exploration of space , in which EADS is proud to play a major role," said Ralph D. Crosby, Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "Columbus represents more than 20 years of space systems' experience at EADS, including the Spacelab laboratory - which has benefited scientists and researchers worldwide during 22 flights aboard NASA Space Shuttle's missions."

Under the umbrella of the European Space Agency (ESA), ten nations participated in the Columbus project, including the U.S., Germany, Italy, France and Canada. Columbus was built in the Bremen, Germany facility of EADS SPACE Transportation, and was officially handed over to the ESA on May 2 for delivery to NASA. The 8-meter-long (26-ft) Columbus module, with a launch mass of nearly 13 metric tons (28,660 lbs), was airlifted from Bremen to Florida's Kennedy Space Center by an Airbus A300-600T "Beluga" Super Transporter.

EADS SPACE Transportation is also responsible for the training of astronauts who will conduct in-orbit experiments aboard the Columbus module. Crew training is currently underway at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, utilizing a simulator provided by EADS SPACE Transportation in 2002. A second identical trainer was delivered to NASA's astronaut training facility at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in early 2003.

EADS is involved in numerous other projects connected with the International Space Station's build-up and operation. Houston-based Astrium North America, which is EADS SPACE's operating entity in the United States, provides development and supply services for the station, while EADS SPACE is also prime contractor for the large unmanned Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) that will carry around 8 metric tons (17,000 lbs) of supplies and fuel to the orbital facility beginning in 2007.

In addition, EADS SPACE supplies the experiment facilities and support systems used throughout the International Space Station, and is part of an industry team that developed the European Robotic Arm (ERA) - which will aid astronauts in the assembly of the station and during maintenance tasks.

Together, EADS SPACE and Alcatel Alenia Space have founded the EURISS joint venture for operation and utilization of the ISS' European section. EURISS is the sole contractual partner for all industrial operations in the station's European portion, giving the joint venture a "mediator" role between the ESA and the companies that utilize this area of the ISS.

About EADS SPACE (www.eads.net)

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of EUR 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.

About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)

EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $8.5 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 174,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 11 operating companies located in 30 cities and 15 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.