Left Mr. Fukuda, right Mr. Yamaguchi. In the factory, JEM PM's aluminum alloy outer shell structure with many triangular cut-out patterns were almost completed, and internal assembly was progressing with launch targeted in 2004. This is an interview report with MHI's Mr. Fukuda who is responsible for this project, and Mr. Yamaguchi who is responsible for equipment design. We also integrate parts which other manufacturers developed and items purchased from overseas.
Integration combines parts and assures the completeness of the total system.
During preparation activities, we checked out the parts in various ways. We used to find many new problems in the integration, since many of the parts are newly developed. The interfaces between Space Station modules are common throughout the International Space Station. If its design is changed by the US, JEM's design also has to be changed. This affects our task schedules, and we face difficulties in international technical negotiation.