QinetiQ will continue to help maintain hardware components the company developed for the International Space Station’s Columbus module under a contract extension through the end of this year.
The company said Tuesday that it has also been working with Airbus to support the QinetiQ-developed scientific instruments for research inside the module.
Airbus acts as a subcontractor and oversees replacement and software modification work on the Columbus module’s European components, among other tasks.
QinetiQ is responsible for initial tests on ground model modifications under the partnership.
Columbus launched in 2008 and will remain in orbit until 2020, QinetiQ says.