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Eyharts
French astronaut Leo Eyharts entered the Columbus laboratory module about 9 a.m. EST.
"Visual inspection is good," said Eyharts, who saw no floating debris. "It looks like the atmosphere is of good quality."
The hatch is open and astronauts are checking out the module's power and air conditioning systems.
Eyharts must wear a surgical mask and goggles to enter the Columbus module. Though the laboratory was built in clean room conditions, it's still possible that dust or metal shavings from construction may float up in microgravity.
Activating and outfitting the module will continue. It will be entered with systems working this afternoon after the air conditioning system filters the air of any possible contaminants. Masks and goggles then will no longer be required.
The Columbus control center in Germany will take over the module's systems.
Eyharts and Hans Schlegel, the European members of the crew, had some words of congratulation for those who built the module.
"We have a special thought this moment for all the people in Europe who have contributed," said Eyharts. "It is a great moment, and Hans and I are very proud to be here."
Added Schlegel: "I think it starts a new era. The volume on the Columbus module and the ISS are connected for many many years of scientific research."
A mission controller from Munich, Germany, replied: "It's the great news we've been waiting for."
While the station crew prepares the Columbus module, the shuttle crew will prepare for a spacewalk on Wednesday.
German astronaut Hans Schlegel apparently has recovered from a "medical issue" that prevented him from making Monday's spacewalk. He will spacewalk Wednesday with Rex Walheim.
Click for interactive graphic.
Click for STS-122 fact sheet.
Click for NASA-TV schedule, which details mission events.
Click for flight day 6 execute package.
Scientific data will come from the Columbus module within two weeks.
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