Japan’s ISS Program Status
- Paper number
IAC-05-B4.1.01
- Author
Mr. Norihito Tsuji, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Coauthor
Dr. Kuniaki Shiraki, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) Program is a multilateral international project with 15 participating countries. Japan is playing a key role in this international program by developing various elements to conduct scientific experiments and technology development. For instance, Japan is developing Japanese Experiment Module called Kibo and associated experiment hardware. Kibo has unique capabilities to conduct both pressurized and unpressurized experiments with the support of its own robotic arm and airlock. Most of verification and testing for Kibo’s flight hardware and software systems have been completed, and are waiting for launch on the Space Shuttle. Japan is also developing the H-II transfer vehicle (HTV), which is capable of delivering six tons of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS on orbit on an H-IIA launch vehicle. HTV’s capabilities are essential for assembling the ISS and for keeping the station operational before and after the Shuttle retirement. The HTV detailed design phase is almost complete, and flight components are being developed. Along with Kibo and HTV, JAXA is developing the Centrifuge for NASA to offset the Shuttle launch services for Kibo. The Centrifuge will enable studies in gravitational biology on the ISS. The Centrifuge detailed design has been completed, and flight hardware is being manufactured. All of these projects are going well, and JAXA is preparing for the transition of Kibo operations and ISS utilization.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B4.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.