Overview of JEM-EF on ISS

Abstract

Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" Exposed Facility (JEM-EF) is a multipurpose experiment platform where various activities such as scientific experiments, Earth observation, engineering experiments. Those can be conducted by utilizing environment which is exposed to space characterized with microgravity, high level vacuum and vast area. MAXI will be attached to the JEM-EF ram side port (EFU#1). On ISS, JEM-EF and the Truss sites are the main facilities that allow experiments those being exposed to space environment, which many researchers are interested in. JEM-EF will be launched by STS-127(2J/A) flight in May, 2009. The JEM-EF with its size of 6 m x 5 m x 4 m (20 ft x 16.7 ft x 13.3 ft) weighs approximately 4000 kg (8890 lb) at time of launch. Experiment payloads of JEM-EF can be exchanged by Kibo robotics arm. JEM-EF will be operated for ten years on orbit supporting exposed experiments. It will supply electric power, circulates coolant for cooling the experiment devices or collects experiment data. Standard payload. envelope is assumed to be of 1.85 m x 1.0 m x 0.8 m (6.2 ft x 3.3 ft x 2.7 ft) and weighs 500 kg (1110 lb), In this paper, further detail of the JEM-EF will be presented.