Japanese Experiment Module (JEM)

As the International Space Station (ISS) whirls above us in space, space agencies from around the world, including NASA and the European Space Agency, continue building this research facility. Because ISS will eventually be the largest research lab in space, ongoing construction, which is schedule for completion in 2010, takes place in phases during which new independent units, or modules, are added to the space station.
 
One of these modules is the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), a unit added to ISS in sections throughout 2008.

Japanese Experiment Module: History

The Japanese National Space Development Agency (JAXA) gave NASA its formal proposal for the Japanese Experiment Module, or Kibo (Japanese for "Hope"), in 1986. Since then, delivery plans have been scrapped twice due to cost overruns at the space station, budget cuts at NASA and the Columbia disaster. Despite the length of time between approval and delivery, very few design changes have been made to the design of Kibo.

Japanese Experiment Module: Components

The following are the main components of Kibo:
  • The Exposed Facility, located outside the Pressurized Module, will be the designated area where astronauts can conduct experiments and observe astronomical objects in open space. This area is also call the "Terrace."

  • The Mission Control Room contains control systems for Kibo and allows communications between these and other control centers on Earth. Included in the Mission Control Room is the Inter-Orbit Communication System that facilitates communication between the Mission Control Room at Tsukuba Space Center in Japan and the Japanese Experiment Module.

  • The Pressurized Module, with an atmosphere and air pressure similar to those found on Earth, will be used for experiments involving microgravity. Microgravity refers to small or low gravity levels.

  • The Remote Manipulator System is made up of two robotic arms, each of which has six joints that will help the arms move similarly to human arms. The main arm, which is 32.5 feet long, can carry 14,000 pounds. The small fine arm, which is a little over 6 feet long, can be attached to the main arm to handle more intricate jobs.

  • The two Experimental Logistic Modules (ELMs) are storage areas that hold materials, tools and supplies necessary for experiments. The Pressurized ELM attaches to the Pressured Module, and the unpressured ELM is designed for the exposed facility.

Japanese Experiment Module: Purpose

Kibo is expected to perform experiments that will benefit Japan and countries around the world. Some of the functions that the Japanese Experiment Module will perform include:
  • Microgravity and radiation experiments: These experiments will investigate the effects of microgravity and radiation on plants. Experiments in communication and with robotics will also be performed in JEM.

  • Observing the Earth's atmosphere: The Japanese Experiment Module will be actively assisting research on global warming and the ozone layer. By studying these and other environmental problems from space, scientists hope to gather new information to solve these important problems.

  • X-ray camera: Kibo is host to the world's largest wide angle X-ray camera. Mounted on the Terrace, this camera will provide scientists information about galaxies beyond our own.
Scientists hope that information garnered from these and other experiments may result in a better understanding of Earth and space.
 
Resources
 
Mark Wade (n.d.). NASDA Japanese Experiment Module. Retrieved February 7, 2008, from the Astonautix.com Web site.
 
NASA (n.d.). Introduction to Microgravity. Retrieved February 7, 2008, from the NASA.gov Web site.
 
NASA (n.d.). Kibo Japanese Experiment Module. Retrieved February 7, 2008, from the NASA.gov Web site.
 
Stathopoulos, Vic (2007). Japanese Experiment Module. Retrieved February 7, 2008, from the AerospaceGuide.net Web site.