The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) has initiated talks with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) over the execution of joint experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The scientific research is slated to be conducted on Japan’s nascent Kibo ISS module. KARI is expected to develop mission unique equipment (MUE), while Japanese engineers are likely to deliver and operate the machines.
JAXA officials have suggested that we can use the multi-purpose small rack (MPSR) on the Kibo ISS module for the experiments, with the research results shared by both countries,” a KARI official told the Korea Times.

The official also explained that some of the experimental equipment will be transported on the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), a new robotic spacecraft designed to re-supply the Kibo module.

The ISS, currently being assembled in outer space, is a multilateral endeavour between the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and 10 European countries. The station orbits the earth at an altitude of approximately 350 km (190 nautical miles) and travels at an average speed of 27,700 kilometres (17,210 mi) per hour. The station completes 15.7 total orbits per day.

It should be noted that Tokyo and New Delhi have recently bolstered cooperation between their two respective space agencies in response to China’s rapidly expanding space programme. As IT Examiner previously reported, Beijing sparked international concern by announcing the formation of a murky Asian space alliance. Nine countries have already expressed interest in joining the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, including Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and Indonesia.

Although China continues to insist that its space program is peaceful, the country set off a noisy wave of condemnation in January when it successfully destroyed a satellite with a ballistic missile. The Chinese military has also played a salient role in exploratory missions, with Chang Wanquan, director of the PLA’s General Armaments Department, heading the commanding team of the recent Shenzhou 7 flight.

Beijing’s space programme certainly shows little sign of slowing, as the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has announced plans to launch at least five satellites over the next six years. In addition, the company will develop three FY-3 satellites for the State Meteorological Administration, with scheduled launch dates of 2010, 2012 and 2014.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 at 3:36 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.