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The International Space Station (ISS) is one of the largest and most ambitious space projects created by Man, 30 years after the initial explorations on the Moon. The International Space Station is an orbital base for research and for the discovery of new knowledge, capabilities and opportunities in Space.

Thales's Space division, Thales Alenia Space, plays a fundamental role in one of the most advanced, internationally recognized and global projects in our age, by contributing more than 50% to the Station's pressurised volume.

The group is the prime contractor for:

• The design and construction of the three inhabitable Multipurpose Pressurized Logistics Modules (MPLM) - Leonardo/ Rafaello/ Donatello
• The design, development, qualification and integration of the Nodes 2 & 3 (the interconnecting elements between the various pressurised modules on the ISS)
• The Cupola observatory, enabling the crewmembers to see outside into space and also to observe the Earth

Thales Alenia Space is also a major contributor to:

• The Columbus laboratory development by providing the definition, development and pre-integration of the entire Mechanical, Thermal, ECLSS and Harness subsystems, as well as for the final integration and testing phase of the laboratory
• The ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicule), with the design and construction of the "cargo carrier" and the integration and testing of the entire ATV-ICC

In 2007, the Node 2 was successfully docked to the ISS and will enable the connection to the Columbus laboratory at the beginning of February 2008. This fly will be followed by the ATV Jules Verne launch during the first quarter 2008 and the MPLM that will carry more than two tons of equipment and supplies end of 2008.