The construction of the International Space Station (ISS) began in 1998. Numerous difficulties were overcome during the construction of the ISS and its operations have been expanding ever since. We also launched the Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) and the Pressurized Module (PM), equipped with the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), of the JEM "Kibo," the first Japanese manned space facility, in March and June 2008, respectively, aboard Space Shuttles. These elements were assembled to the ISS and activated, and then on-orbit real-time operations started.
In July 2009, the Exposed Facility (EF) was launched aboard the Space Shuttle and assembled to the PM. By beginning operations of the EF, the construction of the "Kibo" was completed. Additionally, the Inter-orbit Communication System (ICS), the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) and the Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment - Attached Payload (SEDA-AP) were launched aboard the Experiment Logistics Module - Exposed Section (ELM-ES) at the same time, assembled to their designated locations on the EF and activated. Thus, an independent communication line to the "Kibo" was secured and experiments in an exposed space environment were added to the experiments already being carried out in the PM, and then full-scale operations of the "Kibo" started.
We have been performing various experiments in the "Kibo" including astronomical observations, earth observations and experiments on material and life science that utilize the unique environment of space such as microgravity, vacuum, the huge area of space and wide spreading views. We've also been promoting activities with the aim of creating a culture unique to space. We are anticipating that the results from such experiments and activities may enhance our lifestyles through new knowledge, technologies and culture originating from the ISS.
Our project team will cooperate with flight control teams and astronauts from participating organizations including NASA and carry out the secure continued operations of the "Kibo" in a continuous effort to achieve positive results for Japan through the previously mentioned on-orbit experiments. The Proto-Flight Model of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is also scheduled to be launched in Fiscal Year 2009 in order to transport experiment devices and supplies to the ISS. We are going to support this project through maintenance and operations of the HTV Operations Control System, as well as by training HTV flight controllers.
Due to its human element, manned space systems are required to meet strict safety and technical requirements. We are striving to deploy our manned space technologies, acquired from development, operations and utilization of the "Kibo," to improve the reliability of unmanned space systems like launch vehicles and satellites. We also aim to boost overall Japanese technological ability, as well as utilize it to promote next generation manned space activities.
In July 2009, the Exposed Facility (EF) was launched aboard the Space Shuttle and assembled to the PM. By beginning operations of the EF, the construction of the "Kibo" was completed. Additionally, the Inter-orbit Communication System (ICS), the Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) and the Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment - Attached Payload (SEDA-AP) were launched aboard the Experiment Logistics Module - Exposed Section (ELM-ES) at the same time, assembled to their designated locations on the EF and activated. Thus, an independent communication line to the "Kibo" was secured and experiments in an exposed space environment were added to the experiments already being carried out in the PM, and then full-scale operations of the "Kibo" started.
We have been performing various experiments in the "Kibo" including astronomical observations, earth observations and experiments on material and life science that utilize the unique environment of space such as microgravity, vacuum, the huge area of space and wide spreading views. We've also been promoting activities with the aim of creating a culture unique to space. We are anticipating that the results from such experiments and activities may enhance our lifestyles through new knowledge, technologies and culture originating from the ISS.
Our project team will cooperate with flight control teams and astronauts from participating organizations including NASA and carry out the secure continued operations of the "Kibo" in a continuous effort to achieve positive results for Japan through the previously mentioned on-orbit experiments. The Proto-Flight Model of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is also scheduled to be launched in Fiscal Year 2009 in order to transport experiment devices and supplies to the ISS. We are going to support this project through maintenance and operations of the HTV Operations Control System, as well as by training HTV flight controllers.
Due to its human element, manned space systems are required to meet strict safety and technical requirements. We are striving to deploy our manned space technologies, acquired from development, operations and utilization of the "Kibo," to improve the reliability of unmanned space systems like launch vehicles and satellites. We also aim to boost overall Japanese technological ability, as well as utilize it to promote next generation manned space activities.
(August 31, 2009 Updated.)
