International Space Station Module From Japan Arrives at NASA

Mar. 12, 2007

John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0602

Tracy Young
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468

Lynnette Madison
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111

RELEASE: 07-63

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION MODULE FROM JAPAN ARRIVES AT NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After traveling thousands of miles, a major
component of the International Space Station is set to begin
preparations for launch. The Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized
Section for the Japanese Experiment Module arrived at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center in Florida early Monday, March 12. The Japanese
Experiment Module is composed of three segments and is known as Kibo,
which means "hope" in Japanese.

Kibo is Japan's first human space facility and its primary
contribution to the station. It will enhance the unique research
capabilities of the orbiting complex by providing an additional
environment in which astronauts can conduct science experiments. The
Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section will serve as an
on-orbit storage area for materials, tools and supplies. It can hold
up to eight experiment racks and will attach to the top of another
larger pressurized module.

The ship carrying the module departed Feb. 7 from Yokohama, Japan, for
the United States. Kibo's various components will be assembled in
space during the course of three shuttle missions. The first of those
three missions, STS-123, will carry the Experiment Logistics Module
Pressurized Section aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, targeted for
launch in 2007.

For more information about the station and Kibo, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

-end-

To subscribe to the list, send a message to:
hqnews-subscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov
To remove your address from the list, send a message to:
hqnews-unsubscribe@mediaservices.nasa.gov