JPM (JEM-PM, Kibo) (original) (raw)

JEM-PM (left), JEM-ELM-PM (top) and JEM-EF (right) [JAXA]

The JEM (Japanese Experiment Module) - a.k.a. Kibo - consisting of three modules, is the Japanese segment of the international space station ISS.

The Pressurized Module (PM) is a Japanese experiment module, the central part of Kibo, in which mainly experiments utilizing the microgravity environment are conducted. Ten experiment racks equipped with various devices are located inside the PM. The PM is 11.2 m long and 4.4 m in diameter.

The Pressurized Module (PM) is a facility where astronauts conduct experiments or control the total Kibo facility. Inside PM, the air composition and pressure are kept the same as on Earth, and temperature and humidity are controlled so as to be comfortable for astronauts' activity all the time.

Devices on board PM can be categorized into two types, system devices, which are vital to maintain the Kibo facility itself, and experiment devices.

System devices are required to maintain Kibo's function or affect astronauts' activities. Power supply, communications, air conditioning, device cooling water control or devices with space experiment support functions are included. Also, the manipulator console used to exchange devices on the Exposed Facility, intersatellite communication equipment, or airlock through which devices can be exchanged between the EF and PM are very important, as such, if any of them were to be lost, the operation of Kibo will face a serious situation.

The Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) serves as an arm to support experiments conducted on the Exposed Facility. The main arm handles large items, for delicate tasks, the small fine arm can attached at the end of the main arm. The main arm is equipped with a TV camera which allows astronauts to monitor the operation from inside the pressurized module.