The Columbus Control Centre, located near Munich, is the hub that keeps the ESA's Columbus laboratory in space running smoothly 24/7, 365 days a year. In an exclusive video, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into supporting missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Tristan Hermel, Columbus Flight Director, takes viewers through the control centre, where teams on the ground coordinate with astronauts and international partners. A highlight of the video is ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, who is seen performing tasks during her Epsilon mission on the ISS.
The video, recorded in January 2026, shows how the teams at the control centre manage the communication and coordination between ground and space. It offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and daily operations involved in maintaining a space laboratory.