With the launch of the Russian supply module Swesda (Stern) on July 12th, 2000 the first European element of the space station was also sent into space: The Data Management System DMS-R (Data Management System Russia). DMS-R was developed by EADS Astrium under contract of the European space organization ESA and, together with the Russian system software, controls the orbit control of the space station, ensures that the orbit is precisely maintained and the solar cells as well as communication systems are oriented correctly.
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