SENER took part in the COLUMBUS module, being responsible for the subsystem support structures (Racks), for the external platform structure of the module and the secondary structures of the fluids laboratory.

Support structures or RACKS: SENER designed, developed, assembled, carried out the classification test and delivered the support structures (Racks) for the COLUMBUS module subsystems. This includes three units with two different configurations: the first weighing 458 kg and the other two weighing 333 kg each. These structures are designed to support large-sized equipment, such as the thermal-control water pumps (90 kg each) or the main air-conditioning system (120 kg). Each of these is a closed structure, ensuring acoustic insulation of the equipment and allowing the fire extinguishing system to work inside the Rack. It is formed by a sandwich-type main panel with a light honeycomb core and a structure of rods, both in aluminium. The volume of the structure is closed at the top, with two aluminium sandwich panels that can be dismantled in orbit. The lateral closure of the volume was carried out using flexible panels made from fibreglass fabric and silicone sheets.

EPF SS (External Platform Structure of the COLUMBUS module): Similarly, after carrying out the activities mentioned for the previous equipment, SENER supplied the external platform structure for the module, designed to house experiments outside the pressurised area (in a vacuum). It consists of a pair of structures located at the end of the module with capacity for four platforms (two per structure) with a total payload of 225 kg each, which will be installed in orbit with the manipulator of the station over the EPF (which is sent into orbit as an integral part of the COLUMBUS module). Power and the signal for the experiments are supplied by the module. It consists of a light structure of aluminium tubes with aluminium sheets for installing the mechanisms that fix the experiments to the platforms. The structures include hinge mechanisms that allow them to be turned over, providing access to the main structure of the module (for inspections or repairs). These mechanisms are designed to be actuated by the astronaut during EVAs (extra-vehicular activity conditions).

FSL SS (Fluid Laboratory Secondary Structures): SENER provided, classified for flight, the combination of structures that internally house the equipment of the fluid laboratory in the corresponding rack and also provide the means to open, close, extract and insert the equipment. This consists of an extractable work station for the crew, which protects, stores and provides a work bench for the portable computer, extractable containers that protect and store the fluid laboratory components and apparatus, support structures for the cooling equipment, sliding guides that provide fixings (supports) and means for extraction and insertion and a box for the electronics of the system for insulating against micro-vibrations.

The complete equipment was delivered in 2002 and 2003 to Alenia (currently Thales Alenia Space) and the Canadian Space Agency (Canada is an associate member of the European Space Agency). From that time, the equipment supplied by SENER was incorporated into the assembly and test processes of the module, being part of COLUMBUS, the most significant European contribution to the International Space Station.