Multi-Element Integration Test-III (MEIT-III) of Kibo Pressurized Module and the International Space Station


Astronaut Noguchi in MEIT-III


Inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF)


Conducting MEIT-III

Multi-Element Integration Test-III (MEIT-III) was conducted at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for the Kibo Pressurized Module (PM), and Node 2 (the connection module of the ISS main body), and the US Laboratory Destiny's simulator.

MEIT-III Overview

The Kibo PM departed Japan on April 23, 2003 and arrived at KSC on June 5.
MEIT-III was performed by JAXA (formerly NASDA) and NASA by connecting Kibo's PM and Node 2 of the ISS with ground-testing cables to verify the performance and the capability of the two flight modules. The Kibo PM was also connected to and tested with the US Laboratory Destiny's simulator (Destiny's flight module is operating on orbit).
MEIT-III was conducted for 24 consecutive hours on weekdays from August 26 to September 10, 2003. Astronauts of JAXA and NASA joined the test and conducted operations such as command transmission from the Destiny's simulator and operating the PM's equipment switches.

Results of the MEIT-III

All the tests planned were completed and validated that each system on board Kibo PM activated properly and the signals were sent normally when controlled from Destiny's simulator via Node 2.
The primary items and results confirmed are listed below in the chart. An anomaly was found in the NASA-developed voice system, so the voice system will be tested separately.
An anomaly was found in the PM flight module (software error on the operation terminal when activated) during MEIT-III. However, the PM activated normally after it was rebooted. The remaining onboard equipment performed normally.

**Check Points and Results Confirmed in MEIT-III**
	Primary Check Points	Results
1	Verify that stable electric power can be supplied from the electric equipment of Node 2 to the PM.	Electric power was supplied normally. Electrical source characteristics (noise and impedance) were measured and found to be normal.
2	Verify the ability to establish communications between the central computer of the U.S. module and the PM via Node 2.	Communications was established between the system computers. Commands and telemetry were transmitted normally through the activation test and full test period.
3	Verify that the initial start-up computer, control computer, cooling system, and environmental control system of the PM can be activated properly from Node 2 and Destiny during Kibo's assembly on orbit.	Following the activation procedure (routine procedure and backup procedure) during the on-orbit assembly, the initial start-up computer, control computer, and onboard equipment of each subsystem was activated and performed properly. The two cooling water circulation systems, low-temperature loop (4.5 degrees C) and moderate-temperature loop (17.2 degrees C) were confirmed to be functional. Environmental control system (temperature and humidity adjustment and air circulation) activated and performed normally. A software error was found in the operation terminal when activated, but it activated normally after rebooting.
4	Verify that caution and warning signals for unusual situations such as fire and rapid decompression that may threaten the life of the crew can be exchanged in a short time among the Kibo PM and other modules.	Caution and warning function tests were conducted and confirmed that the signals were transmitted normally.
5	Verify that the camera image used for the Kibo's remote manipulator system operation to be processed in the Destiny via Node2, and transmitted to the PM.	Video signal interface test was conducted and confirmed that the camera image was processed and transmitted normally.
6	Verify that the experimental data from Kibo's laboratory equipment can be transmitted to Destiny via Node 2 using the large-capacity optic fiber transmission system.	High-rate data (optic fiber) transmission test was conducted and confirmed that the data was transmitted normally. Medium rate data (Ethernet) transmission test was conducted and confirmed that the data was transmitted normally. Low rate data transmission system (1553B data bus) was confirmed to perform normally.
7	Verify that the wire and fluid ducts that connect Node 2 and the PM can be connected without interference.	The wire and fluid ducts of the actual flight module were used to confirm that the ducts could be connected by a NASA astronaut.

**MEIT-III connection diagram**

Future Schedule

The Kibo functional checks and tests will be conducted through March of 2004 in KSC before Kibo is stored until preparation for its installation on the Space Shuttle begins a year before the launch.

Image of connecting Kibo and the ISS on orbit (for reference)

Image of connecting Kibo and the ISS on orbit

Last Updated : November 27, 2003