Kibo (ISS Module) - Launch Sequence

Launch Sequence

NASA launched the JEM complex over three flights, using the NASA Space Shuttle. The NASA Shuttle has a large cargo bay which carried modules into orbit along with crew. This is in contrast to the Russian modules which are launched into orbit on multistage Proton rockets and find their own way to the station complex and attach themselves. On 12 March 2007 the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section (ELM-PS), the main laboratory, arrived in Kennedy Space Center (KSC) from Japan. It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of the STS-123 mission.

At first the ELM-PS, the small cargo bay, was connected to a temporary location into Harmony Module (Node 2) and later, on 6 June 2008, was moved to its final destination, or berthing location, on top (zenith) of the main laboratory. On 30 May 2003 the Pressurized Module (PM) arrived in KSC from Japan. It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility until launched into orbit aboard Space Shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-124 mission. On 3 June 2008 the PM was connected to the Harmony Module. The EF and ELM-ES arrived at KSC on 24 September 2008. The Exposed Facility (EF) and ELM-ES were launched on STS-127, on 15 July 2009. The ELM-ES was brought back to Earth at the end of the mission. The assembly of the EF was completed during the fifth spacewalk.