Launch of the 20,100kg (44,200lb) Kibo Japanese Experiments Module (JEM) to the International Space Station (ISS) will be delayed to 2006 because of budget cuts. But Japan's Centrifuge Accommodation Module will be delivered in 2007, a year earlier than planned.
JEM, which comprises a laboratory and logistics module, is being developed under a barter deal enabling the free launch of Kibo on the Space Shuttle. The postponement follows Brazil's failure to deliver its Experiments Rack for the ISS because of budget constraints.
The Kibo delay could result in the earlier-than-planned launch of Europe's Columbus module and Canada's Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator.
Meanwhile, Japan's Data Relay Test Satellite, Kodama, has reached geostationary orbit after using 39min worth of propellant from the satellite's station keeping thrusters after a fault in the craft's apogee kick motor.
The motor failed 2min into its burn after Kodama's launch on the third H2A booster on 12 September, along with a recoverable microgravity research payload.
Source: Flight International
