Future Spacecraft Design Based on the Experience of the Japanese Experiment Module aboard the ISS

Abstract

The International Space Station (ISS) is now under construction. The Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), the first Japanese manned space system, and the ISS should be used to prepare for further space developments. As an example, an orbital transfer system to the Moon is considered, and the key technologies needed to realize this are suggested. These should be tested on the JEM and the ISS in order to accumulate achievements and lessons learned. In addition, some lessons learned on the current JEM design, and its improvement, are presented.