mission astrolab / thomas reiter / InternationalSpaceStation / MISSIONS / ISS information page by SPACEnet 99

A S T R O L A B M I S S I O N S U M M A R Y (from ESA-websource)

A highly experienced specialist in the deployment of space stations, Thomas Reiter carried out numerous operational and maintenance activities for both the US and Russian segments of the ISS. He also operated research facilities in support of international science experiments. Reiter conducted a programme of European experiments in the fields of human physiology and psychology, microbiology, plasma physics and dosimetry. He also performed technological demonstrations as well as industrial and educational experiments for universities and primary/ secondary schools.

On 3 August, he left the ISS for 5 hours and 54 minutes with NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams to install new equipment in preparation for future assembly work and to mount a number of instruments and experiments on the Station's exterior.

During his stay onboard, Thomas Reiter tested a 3D camera and an HD camera, vividly capturing on film life inside the Station. In future, such cameras will be used to share with earth-based audiences the unique feel of living and working in space.

For Astrolab, Thomas Reiter spent over 171 days in space. Added to the previous 179 days he had already logged on the Euromir 95 mission from September 1995 to February 1996, this makes him the new European record-holder for the longest cumulative time spent in space.