Mission

JEM Robotic Manipulator System (JEMRMS) was partly deployed after its Hold and Release Mechanism (HRM) was released, while the Heater Controller (HCTL) for the hatchway between the Kibo Pressurized Module (PM) and the Kibo Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) was activated. Astronaut Hoshide participated in PAO events, including VIP call from Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan.

The Kibo Experiment Logistics Mogule-Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) was relocated to its permanent home at the top of Kibo Pressurized Module (PM) and JEM Robotic Manipulator System (JEMRMS) was activated, while outfitting of inside Kibo PM continued.

The JAXA flight control team (JFCT) conducted the final activation of the Kibo Pressurized Module (PM) and ensured its redundancy and safer operations. In parallel with the busy intravehicular activities (the PM outfitting and rack transfer), the mission's second spacewalk (EVA#2) was conducted. The planned tasks (which is mainly the PM exterior outffing) and some additional tasks were accomplished.

Today, the Kibo's main module began its operations. At 5:25 a.m., the Kibo's Pressurized Module (PM) was activated with B-string power that allows providing initial environmental conditions inside the PM. The hatch of the PM was opened at 6:05 a.m. and the first crew-ingress occurred at 6:09 a.m.

Today, Kibo's Pressurized Module (PM) was installed on the ISS at 08:42 a.m. Also the mission's first spacewalk (EVA#1) was conducted.

Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the ISS at 3:03 a.m. today. The hatches between Discovery and the ISS were opened at 4:36 a.m. Following the hatch opening, the STS-124 crewmembers were welcomed by the ISS crew.

Aboard the space shuttle Discovery today, STS-124 crewmembers performed the inspection of the orbiter's Thermal Protection System (TPS) using the space shuttle's robotic arm (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System: SRMS) and prepared for the rendezvous/docking on FD3.

Today, the Space Shuttle Discovery successfully lifted off at 5:02 p.m. May 31, 2008 EDT (6:02 a.m. June 1, 2008 JST) delivering Kibo's PM and JEMRMS. Aboard Discovery are JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and his six fellow crewmates.