The Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Kibō (希望, Hope) is the Japanese contribution to the International Space Station.

It consists of 4 components:

• The Pressurized Module (PM) is the core component. It is of cylindrical shape, 11.2 m long and 4.4 m in diameter. It contains 10 standard payload racks (ISPRs).
• The Exposed Facility (EF), also known as 'Terrace' is located outside the port cone of the PM (which is equipped with an airlocked hatch). Experiments are fully exposed to the space environment here.
• The Experiment Logistics Module (ELM) contain a pressurized section to serve the PM and an unpressurized section to serve the EF. It is placed atop the port side of the PM, and is highly movable. It is intended as a storage and transportation module.
• 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.

On May 30, 2003 the PM left Japan for John F. Kennedy Space Center. As of August 2004, NASA plans to launch the entire JEM complex in three flights:

• Kibo Experiment Logistics Module (ELM) PS - October 2008.

• Pressurized Module (PM), JEM Sys Racks, Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) - January 2009.

• Exposed Facility (EF) - November 2009.

Specifications

• Pressurized Module
  • Length: 11.2 m
  • Diameter: 4.4 m
  • Mass: 15,900 kg

• Experiment Logistics Module
  • Length: 3.9 m
  • Diameter: 4.4 m
  • Mass: 4,200 kg

External links

• http://iss.sfo.jaxa.jp/iss/index_e.html -- NASDA's site on JEM