About Kibo
Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section
The ELM-PS being loaded into the space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay (Image credit: NASA)
Overview
The Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) is an on-orbit storage facility that provides stowage space for experiments, samples, and spare items. The crew can freely move between the ELM-PS and the Pressurized Module (PM).
The ELM-PS was launched aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 Mission (1J/A) on March 11, 2008. The ELM-PS traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) carrying a total of eight racks (five Kibo subsystem racks, two experiment racks, and one stowage rack), all of which were re-installed in the PM.
During the STS-123 Mission, the ELM-PS was attached to a temporary location, the zenith port of the Harmony module (Node 2), and then relocated to its final location, the zenith port of the PM, during the STS-124 Mission (1J).
| Item | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Cylindrical | |
| Diameter | Outer | 4.4m |
| Inner | 4.2m | |
| Length | 4.2m | |
| Mass | 4.2t (at launch: 8.4 tons) | |
| Number of Rack Locations | 8* all stowage rack locations (total) | |
| Power (provided from US segment) |
Max. 3kW 120V（Direct current） | |
| Environment | Temperature: 18.3 to 29.4℃ Humidity: 25 to 70% |
|
| Life time | More than 10 years | |
Structure
The ELM-PS is a cylindrical pressurized module.
Similar to the PM, the ELM-PS structural body is designed to bear loads imposed during the space shuttle's launch, ascent, and ISS attitude control and maneuvers. The ELM-PS is designed to protect the pressurized environment inside the module through an outer shell shielding consisting of aluminum alloy panels. A debris shield covers the ELM-PS's outer shell structure to protect the body from debris hits.
The ELM-PS is equipped with the following hardware;
Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF)
The FRGF is used when the shuttle's robotic arm or station's robotic arm grapples, moves, and relocates the ELM-PS.
Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM)
This is a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM) used for berthing with the PM.
ELM-PS Exposed Facility Unit (EFU)
This mechanism accommodates Kibo's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section (ELM-ES) while the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is berthed to the Exposed Facility (EF) to unload payloads or cargo delivered by the HTV Exposed Pallet (EP).
Trunnion
This is a fixing mechanism that holds a payload in the space shuttle's payload bay during the space shuttle's launch and ascent.
Internal Design
There are eight rack locations inside the ELM-PS. The Crew Support System provides onboard lighting and emergency lighting for the crew.
Image of right side is internal view of ELM-PS which is seen from PM
Current Status
The ELM-PS which was relocated to the PM on the STS-124 Mission （Image credit: NASA）
The ELM-PS was launched aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 Mission on March 11, 2008. During the STS-123 Mission, the ELM-PS was attached to the Harmony module (Node 2).
The ELM-PS was relocated to the zenith side of the PM, its final position, on the STS-124 Mission.
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