THE JAPANESE EXPERIMENT MODULE FOR SPACE STATION FREEDOM

Japan is participating in the International Space Station Program and currently developing a Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) to be attached to the space station. The Space Station Program will contribute significantly to the future Japanese development in the field of life science and microgravity science through the utilization of the space environment. Further, it will provide a valuable opportunity to investigate unknown potentials in space, to acquire new knowledge and thought, and to advance science and technology. This paper describes an overview of the program with emphasis on JEM development status and preparation for its utilization.