Japanese Experiment Module

The Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) (Japanese: "Kibō" きぼう, Hope) is a Japanese science module for the International Space Station (ISS) developed by JAXA. Once complete, it will be the largest single ISS module. The first two pieces of the module were launched on space shuttle missions STS-123 and STS-124. The third is scheduled for launch on STS-127 in 2009.

Components

"Kibō" consists of four primary components:

Pressurized Module

The "Pressurized Module" (PM) is the core component. It is a cylindrical shape and contains twenty-three International Standard Payload Racks (ISPRs), including ten dedicated to science experiments. [cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/jem.html|title=NASA - Kibo Japanese Experiment Module|publisher=NASA]

Exposed Facility

The "Exposed Facility" (EF), also known as "Terrace", will be located outside the port cone of the PM (which is equipped with an airlocked hatch). Experiments are fully exposed to the space environment.

Experiment Logistics Module

The "Experiment Logistics Module" (ELM), now is in orbit and includes two sections:
* The Japanese Experiment Logistics Module, Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) –- also called the JLP –- is a pressurized addition to the PM. The module is a storage facility that provides stowage space for experiment payloads, samples and spare items. [cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts123/news/STS-123-11.txt |title=STS-123 MCC STATUS REPORT #11 |publisher=NASA |date=2008-03-16]
* The unpressurized (external) section (ELM-ES) will serve the EF. It is intended as a storage and transportation module.

Remote Manipulator System

The "Remote Manipulator System" (JEMRMS) is a robotic arm, mounted at the port cone of the PM, intended to service the EF and to move equipment from and to ELM. The RMS control console was launched in the ELM-PS. The main arm was launched with the PM. The "Small Fine Arm," which attaches to the end effector of the main arm, will be launched with the ELM-ES. [cite web |url=http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/about/kibo/rms/ |title=Remote Manipulator System |publisher=JAXA]

Launch sequence

As of June 2008, NASA plans to launch the entire JEM complex in three flights:
* On 2007-03-12 the "Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section" (ELM-PS) arrived in Kennedy Space Center (KSC) from Japan. [cite web |url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/iss/kibo/develop_status_51_e.html |title=Shipping of the Kibo ELM-PS, Kibo RMS and Kibo experiment racks |publisher=JAXA] It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard OV |105 as part of the STS-123 mission. [cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/2008/release-20080311.html |title=NASA's Shuttle Endeavour Begins Mission to the Space Station |publisher=NASA] At first the ELM-PS was connected to a temporary location into Harmony Module (Node 2) and later, on 6 June, 2008, was moved to its final destination into the PM's upper section.
* On 2003-05-30 the "Pressurized Module" (PM) arrived in KSC from Japan. [cite web |url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/iss/kibo/develop_status_36_e.html |title=Kibo PM arrival in USA |publisher=JAXA] It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard OV |103 as part of the STS-124 mission. [cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/2008/release-20080531.html |title=NASA's Shuttle Discovery Launches With Japanese Laboratory |publisher=NASA] On 3 June, 2008 the PM was connected to the Harmony Module.
* The "Exposed Facility" (EF) and ELM-ES are planned for launch on STS-127, possibly in April 2009. [cite web | url = http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html | title = Launch Schedule] The ELM-ES will be brought back to Earth at the end of the mission. The EF and ELM-ES arrived at KSC on 24 September, 2008. [cite web |url=http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=37693 |title=Kennedy Media Gallery - PHOTO NO: KSC-08PD-2924 |publisher=NASA]

Specifications

Kibō is the largest single ISS module.
*"Pressurized Module" [cite web | url = http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/228145main_sts124_presskit2.pdf | title = STS-124 Press Kit | publisher = NASA|format=PDF]
**Length: convert|11.19|m|ft|abbr=on
**Diameter: convert|4.39|m|ft|abbr=on
**Mass: convert|14800|kg|lb|abbr=on

*"Experiment Logistics Module" [cite web | url = http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/215905main_sts123_press_kit_b.pdf | title = STS-123 Press Kit | publisher = NASA|format=PDF]
**Length: convert|4.21|m|ft|abbr=on
**Diameter: convert|4.39|m|ft|abbr=on
**Mass: convert|8386|kg|lb|abbr=on

Planned experiments on Kibo

MAXI X-ray astronomy from 0.5 to 30 keV []
SMILES observes and monitors very weak sub-millimeter wave emission lines of trace gas molecules in the stratosphere []
CALET Observation for high energy. Launch 2012 through HTV, Mass: 2500 kg [ [http://www.icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icrr-study/CALET-EBHU06.pdf The CALET project for investigating high energy universe] ]

References

External links

* [http://iss.sfo.jaxa.jp/iss/index_e.html ISS at JAXA site]
* [http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en KIBO at JAXA site]
* [http://nasatech.net/kibo.htm 360° panorama inside the KIBO module]