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Second Of Three Journeys To Exterior Of ISS Prepared For

Houston-The scientists aboard the International Space Station began to prepare for their 2nd Space walk in as many days as the installation of the new Japanese space laboratory continued.

Kibo, the school bus sized 2nd element of the Japanese laboratory has been in the process of being installed aboard the International Space Station.

Using the robot Dextre extension arm that was build and contributed to the ISS by the nation of Canada, Astronauts are working hard to finish the installation of what is now the largest pressurized room aboard the International Space Station.

The first element of the Japanese Lab was installed in March 2008, and is slightly larger than an average closet. The newest element that is in the process of installation is the 2nd of 3 eventual elements that make up the entire Japanese Kibo lab.

The ISS Station Astronauts were assisted by Space Shuttle Astronauts Michael Fossum and Ronald Garan Jr in the preparations and laboratory installation efforts.

When completed the new Kibo lab will be the latest addition to the International Space station, a new laboratory and scientific study area that cost just over $1 billion dollars to construct back on Earth.

“We are hoping that the remaining installation will go smoothly and not take too much more time,” said Space Station Flight Director in Houston Texas, Ms. Emily Nelson.

Nelson also described the addition of some thermal insulation that was not originally in the plans but is being added to the exterior of the new lab to help protect it.