Shown above is the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, which will become one of the principle manned modules of the International Space Station.

Astronauts will be able to work in a comfortable shirtsleeve environment within the pressurized lab. Experiments in life sciences, material processes, technology development, fluid sciences, fundamental physics and other science disciplines are planned. The lab measures about 22 feet (6.7 meters) long and about 15 feet (4.5 meters) in diameter. Without research equipment, it will weight nearly 10 tons. Payloads will also be attached on four express pallets on the exterior of the Columbus for technology experiments, Earth observations and space science.

--SPACE.com staff