Japanese Experiment Module: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

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, 11.2m long and 4.4m 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; however, its launch has been removed from the flight schedule and in July 2004, NASA agreed to launch it at a date still unspecified.

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