After the successful launch of the satellite Earth observation last week GOCE, Astrium engineers can now add one more success to their charts. This is aboard the space laboratory Columbus to the International Space Station (ISS) that the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery have installed and put into service the instrument of experimentation PCDF (Protein Crystallisation Diagnostics Facility). A success that will allow scientists to study the growth of proteins in conditions of weightlessness.

• Astrium Astronauts begin operating the instrument testing PCDFs manufactured by Astrium

• The scientific community hopes to gather information needed to develop new drugs

Developed and manufactured at the Center "Payload & Life Support" of Astrium in Friedrichshafen, on behalf of the European Space

Agency (ESA), the PCDFs should allow the study of nucleation and crystallization of protein molecules from a range of solutions, thanks to its special diagnostic instruments (microscope and interferometer). Teams of Astrium Aquitain Site de Saint-Médard-en-Jalles were responsible for the design, production and integration of four sub-systems of PCDFs, which thermostated chamber in which crystallization reactors and their regulatory heat. The prevailing conditions of weightlessness on the ISS help avoid the phenomenon of sedimentation negative experiences encountered on the ground and promote the harmonious formation of crystals. Accurate knowledge of the process of nucleation is crucial for growing crystals of sufficient size and capable of consistent information on the molecules of proteins via X-ray diffraction This information could in turn play a role, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry with the development of new drugs. Following the launch of U.S. space shuttle Discovery from Cape Canaveral in Florida at the dawn of March 16, Astrium team responsible for the development of PCDFs watched feverishly when astronauts receiving equipment on board the European Columbus laboratory. Last Friday, March 20, the PCDFs has been incorporated into the cabinet EDR (European Drawer Rack) to begin its scientific use, and is working now. "All subsystems are behaving nominally," says Robert Bosch, Head of the project. The transmission of video images of PCDFs on Earth allows scientists to remain informed of the progress of current experience. With remote ground equipment also offers the possibility to intervene in the experimental process and influence to obtain optimal results. The four experiments of the equipment will be conducted by the end of June 2009 before being returned to Earth aboard a space shuttle. About Astrium Astrium is a subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to systems and services, civil and military space. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of 4.3 billion euros, with 13 000 employees in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity s 'articulate around divisions Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground systems, and its 100% subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2008, EADS recorded a turnover of 43.3 billion euros with a workforce of more than 118 000 people.