The ASTROLAB mission: A milestone in European ISS operations

The ASTROLAB mission was performed between June and December 2006. European astronaut, Thomas Reiter, spent 6 months on the space station to perform Flight Engineer duties and to execute an articulated European multi-disciplinary research programme. This paper summarizes the operations, the achievements and lessons learned from the mission. Its relevance in preparation to the Columbus launch and operations will be addressed.