Operational Support

2009

PCDF - Protein Cystallisation Diagnostics Facility

The Protein Crystallisation Diagnostics Facility (PCDF) is a multi-user instrument for the fundamental study of the processes of nucleation and crystallisation of biological macro-molecules, and specifically, how these processes are influenced by gravity... Read more

2008

PICARD Mission Center

Picard is a CNES Myriade microsatellite that will precisely measure the Sun’s diameter and its variations, as well as solar irradiance, with the twofold aim of learning more about how the Sun affects Earth’s climate and studying its physics and inner structure. The PICARD Mission Center is located in Brussels... Read more

 

Columbus laboratory to be installed on ISS

The STS-122 Space Shuttle mission of Atlantis to the International Space Station (ISS) is the most important to date for Europe. As well as carrying ESA’s Columbus laboratory, the Shuttle’s crew of seven includes ESA German astronaut Hans Schlegel and ESA French astronaut Léopold Eyharts, both on their second spaceflights. Columbus is the cornerstone of Europe’s contribution to the ISS and is the first European laboratory devoted to long-term research in space. Belgium is involved via the European Drawer Rack and SOLAR... Read more

2005

PromISS-4 - Protein Crystal Growth Monitoring by Digital Holographic Microscope

PromISS-4 is a Belgian experiment in the International Space Station (ISS) launched with the Progress 20P on 21th December 2005. Its main scientific objectives are to study proteins,
to obtain in microgravity better crystals, to understand protein crystal growth processes.

The PromISS investigation includes a holographic microscope that allows... Read more

 

2004

Cardiocog and Neurocog sessions in the International Space Station

In May, July, September and October 2004, the crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) performed several sessions of the Belgian Cardiocog and Neurocog experiments. Research themes are cardiovascular functions and the perception and memorization process of astronauts... Read more

PROMISS-3 in the International Space Station

The Belgian experiment launched to the International Space Station, with the Progress 13P, on 29th January 2004 was PROMISS-3 . Its main scientific objective was to improve the understanding of protein crystal growth processes on protein models. The B-USOC was the European responsible center for operations... Read more

 

2003

Spanish Soyuz Mission Cervantes

This flight with spanish astronaut, Pedro Duque, left October 18, 2003. Duque spend eight days aboard the Space Station conducting science experiments under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. Several Belgian experiments were part of this mission... Read more

 

Mission STS-107

De missie STS-107, aan boord van het ruimteveer Columbia wordt op 16 januari 2003 succesvol gelanceerd. Ook tijdens de missie verloopt alles goed. Tijdens de landing op 1 februari 2003 gebeurt echter het ondenkbare, de shuttle en zeven bemanningsleden gaan verloren op 60 km hoogte. Lees meer La mission STS-107, à bord de la navette spatiale Columbia. Le lancement, le 16 janvier 2003, fut un succès. La mission se déroulait sans problème. Ce premier février 2003, lors de la phase d'atterrissage de la mission STS-107, la navette Columbia avec à son bord 7 astronautes s'est désintégrée à 60 kilomètres d'altitude. Savoir plus

 

2002

OdISSea mission with Frank De Winne: Belgian experiments

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Frank De Winne, of Belgian nationality, flew to the International Space Station (ISS) in late October 2002 on board a Russian Soyuz taxi flight. He became the first Belgian to visit the ISS. During the mission, named Odissea, De Winne performed a series of science and technology related experiments on board the ISS.

For the OdISSea mission, the B.USOC installed and maintained, in collaboration with ESTEC and ESOC, all technical means allowing the Belgian User and Operation Centre to get connected to the mission communication networks to acquire, archive, and display in real-time all relevant mission data and video transmissions, and allowing to be connected by voice to the other mission centres... Read more

Website about the Belgian experiments on board

Presentations by scientists (before and after the mission)