The Columbus laboratory takes its name from the famous Genoan navigator Christopher Columbus who made the notable voyages to the Americas from 1492 to 1504.

The lower half of the Columbus logo consists of a lighter blue circle symbolizing the Earth. This is surrounded by a darker blue ellipse which signifies the initial orbit of the Shuttle transporting Columbus after launch. Above these the International Space Station is shown at its higher orbiting altitude. The white stripe across the Earth symbolises two things. Firstly, it symbolises the path from east to west, which Christopher Columbus took on his way to the Americas. Secondly, it symbolizes the path of the Columbus laboratory from west to east from the launch pad in Florida into orbit and to the International Space Station, following an orbital path symbolised by the stars. The stars (10 gold and one blue) symbolise the 11 ESA Member States that contribute to ESA's human spaceflight programme. With the last star being the central part of the ISS, the stars also symbolise how the Columbus laboratory, following its orbital journey, will become an integral part of the International Space Station. The final star also symbolises the spark of genius inherent in the groundbreaking science that will take place in the laboratory once it is commissioned.