Japanese astronomers have officially launched Kibo, an experiment that will allow the conduction of medical research in space.
"The Japanese Experiment Module, or JEM, called Kibo -- which means "hope" in Japanese -- is Japan's first human space facility and enhances the unique research capabilities of the International Space Station," according to NASA.
The first components of the module were installed today. Their hope is that the space technology will be the platform for discovering new medicines for use on Earth.
"Japan's Kibo is to house about 100 experiments that could aid the development of medications and test new materials in weightlessness," EarthTimes reported.
Astronauts prepared components on the US space shuttle Endeavour for the International Space Station (ISS). The Endeavour crew teamed with Takao Doi, the same Japanese astronaut who wants to experiments with boomerangs in space to see how physics apply at zero gravity.
The shuttle's mission will last 16 days, returning to Earth on March 26.
Space Medicine
Kibo Japanese Experiment Module
Trend Themes
1. Space Medicine Research - The development of Kibo as a human space facility and platform for understanding spatial anatomy creates an opportunity for space medicine research.
2. New Medicines and Materials Development - The 100 experiments proposed for Kibo will potentially produce materials and medication useful for Earth.
3. Commercialization of Space Technology - The success of Kibo experimentations has implications for private companies who can commercialize space technology.
Industry Implications
1. Pharmaceutical - The delivery of new drugs and materials resulting from space medicine research can be an opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry.
2. Space Exploration - The experimentations in international space station can lead to technological advances in space exploration.
3. Space Commerce - Commercialization of space technology as a result of space experimentations creates opportunity for space commerce.