Status of Kibo's Pressurized Module After MEIT-III

After the Multi-Element Integration Test-III (MEIT-III), various tests were conducted on Kibo's Pressurized Module (PM) from September to November in Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Post MEIT-III Performance Verification Test

Post MEIT-III performance verification tests were conducted from September 15 through 26, 2003, to verify the capability of the fluid system valve, experiment support system valve, airlock, and Exposed Facility Berthing Mechanism (EFBM).

Initiating the airlock outer hatch movement	Opening the outer hatch		Hatch fully opened
Deploying the slide table			Taking the dummy payload from the table
Back side of the slide table	Stowing the slide table

FCIT

A Flight Crew Interface Test (FCIT) is conducted on the ground to see if the astronauts can perform the on-orbit maintenance work such as equipment exchange. During the FCIT, astronauts also touch structure and equipment surfaces to detect any sharp edges that may hurt them while operating in space.

JAXA astronauts Doi and Wakata, and NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen conducted the FCIT for the airlock on September 23 through 25, 2003.

Astronaut Wakata in a meeting	Aatronaut Wakata (right) in blue uniform
Astronaut Wakata conducting the FCIT of airlock

From October 21 to 23, 2003, NASA astronauts Joseph Tanner and James Reilly carried out the FCIT for Kibo's PM.

Checking the thermal insulation cover of the trunnion pin		Checking the forward external TV camera and light cables	Checking the thermal insulation cover of the trunnion pin
Astronauts Tanner and Reilly checking the thermal insulation of EFBM

DPA

Measurement of each section

Measurement of each section Measurement point

Digital Pre-Assembly (DPA) is used to verify the ability of installing the PM in the Space Shuttle and assembling it on orbit by analyzing 3D computer model data generated from the measurement data, rather than physically attaching systems.

The 3D-CAD model data developed from the graphics will be revised based on the results of the DPA, and will be used as an "As-Built CAD Model" for the purposes mentioned above.
* As-Built CAD Model: CAD data generated from the measurement data after production.

DPA was conducted in the following sequence.

1. The CAD model of the Kibo's PM was presented to NASA.
2. The simulation fidelity of the measured areas was verified by comparing the actual module to its CAD model.
3. The Kibo onboard equipment interfaces that will be connected to equipment onboard NASA modules were measured.
4. Measurement results were reflected into the CAD model.
5. Various analyses, such as clearance assessment and connection analysis, were conducted using the CAD model.

Preparation for DPA measurement number 3 began October 2, 2003. The measurement lasted until November 5.

DPA measurement

Future Schedule

Various tests and inspections will be conducted for label and decal attachment, window leaks, and fluid duct leaks.