Japanese Experiment Module
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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[edit] Components
Kibō consists of four primary components:
[edit] 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.[1]
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.[2]
- The unpressurized (external) section (ELM-ES) will serve the EF. It is intended as a storage and transportation module.
[edit] 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.[3]
[edit] 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[4]. It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of the STS-123 mission[5]. On 14 March 2008 the ELM-PS was connected to its temporary location on Harmony Module (Node 2).
- On 2003-05-30 the Pressurized Module (PM) arrived in KSC from Japan[6]. It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-124 mission[7]. 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.[8] The ELM-ES will be brought back to Earth at the end of the mission.
[edit] Specifications
Kibō is the largest single ISS module.
- Pressurized Module[9]
- Length: 11.19 m (36.7 ft)
- Diameter: 4.39 m (14.4 ft)
- Mass: 14,800 kg (33,000 lb)
- Experiment Logistics Module[10]
- Length: 4.21 m (13.8 ft)
- Diameter: 4.39 m (14.4 ft)
- Mass: 8,386 kg (18,490 lb)
[edit] Planned experiments on Kibo
MAXI X-ray astronomy from 0.5 to 30 keV[11]
SMILES observes and monitors very weak sub-millimeter wave emission lines of trace gas molecules in the stratosphere[12]
CALET Observation for high energy. Launch 2012 through HTV, Mass: 2500 kg[13]
[edit] References
- ^ NASA - Kibo Japanese Experiment Module. NASA.
- ^ STS-123 MCC STATUS REPORT #11. NASA (2008-03-16).
- ^ Remote Manipulator System. JAXA.
- ^ Shipping of the Kibo ELM-PS, Kibo RMS and Kibo experiment racks. JAXA.
- ^ NASA's Shuttle Endeavour Begins Mission to the Space Station. NASA.
- ^ Kibo PM arrival in USA. JAXA.
- ^ NASA's Shuttle Discovery Launches With Japanese Laboratory. NASA.
- ^ Launch Schedule.
- ^ STS-124 Press Kit. NASA.
- ^ STS-123 Press Kit. NASA.
- ^ Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image: MAXI. JAXA.
- ^ Superconducting Submillimeter-wave Limb-emission Sounder: SMILES. JAXA.
- ^ The CALET project for investigating high energy universe
[edit] External links
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