Space Enviroment Utilization Working Group

The International Space Station (ISS) is a permanent research laboratory in space, a frontier project orbiting 400 km above the surface of the Earth. Distinctive features of the space environment such as microgravity, high vacuum, space radiation, and infinite solar energy are ex- pected to revolutionize many areas of science. The space environment is also utilized in cultural and educational activities.

The Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" is one of the key components of the ISS, equipped with both the Pressurized Module and the Exposed Facility. The SEU WG, which plans to opti- mize the use of "Kibo", has discussed ways to facilitate effective joint utilization of the space environment among Asia-Pacific countries since APRSAF-12.

Promotion of space environment utilization

• Lecture meetings are organized in Asia-Pacific countries to promote space environment utilization activities.

Small-scale trial experiments

• Mission proposals for small-scale experiments to be performed aboard "Kibo" are being discussed. Joint feasibility studies are being conducted to develop candidate proposals for practicable space experiment plans.

Space radiation monitoring

• Malaysian and Korean astronauts wore Crew PADLES, a Japanese small radiation dosimeter, during their visit to the ISS to monitor exposure to cosmic radiation jointly with Japan.

Protein crystallization in space

• Japan-Russia joint experiment, "High Quality Protein Crystallization" program, is underway with the participation of Malaysian researchers.

Students’ parabolic flight experiment program

• Microgravity created during parabolic maneuvers of an airplane is a good rehearsal before a space mission. Students and young scientists from the Asia-Pacific region are invited by Japan to conduct their experiments during parabolic flights.

Education and outreach

• Resources including Japanese high-tech educational tool, "KIBO High-vision Earth View", and various digital contents are shared for common use among the space agencies in the region for the purpose of science education and the promotion of space awareness.

• Kibo Utilization Office for Asia (KUOA) Website