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Shuttle to deliver Japan space lab

The shuttle is also carrying a much-needed new pump for the space station's only toilet [AFP]

The space shuttle Discovery is preparing to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) on a mission to deliver a bus-sized component of a Japanese space laboratory, and an urgently needed spare part to fix the station's only toilet.

The $1bn space lab, known as Kibo, the Japanese for "hope" will be the largest module attached to the station so far.

Discovery is set to dock with the ISS at 1754GMT on Monday, day three of its 14-day mission.

Among Discovery's crew of seven is Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who will oversee the installation of the 11.2 metre long Kibo module.

Once operational Kibo will accommodate up to four scientists and act as Japan's first permanent foothold in space.

Kibo: Japan's space lab

Last and largest of four research modules for International Space Station

Japan's first permanent manned presence in space

To be delivered into orbit by three shuttle flights

Will conduct experiments on effect of microgravity

Includes platform with robotic arm to expose experiments to space

A third and final component of the lab is due to fly on a later shuttle mission.

Also carried on Discovery is a replacement pump which astronauts hope will fix the space station's Russian-built toilet.

The toilet broke down several weeks ago, and astronauts have had to make do with a cumbersome manual system to dispose of waste.

Until the repair is complete, the three-member station crew will use the shuttle's toilet - or they will use extra emergency bags that Discovery is also bringing.

Discovery took off from Florida on Saturday using a new design of external fuel tank designed to prevent a repeat of the deadly debris strike that caused the Columbia disaster in 2003.

During the launch several pieces of foam were seen falling off the giant tank, but Nasa officials say they do not believe any of them were a cause for major concern.

Nonetheless the shuttle will undergo further inspections of its crucial heat shields before it returns to Earth.

Source:

Agencies

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