The first ATV flight to the ISS was scheduled for early in 2003. It will be delivered to the ISS on three assembly flights. The National Space Development Agency of Japan is building the JEM which will provide a pressurised laboratory and an external platform for up to 10 unpressurised experiments. Brazil Six items mainly for carrying cargo will be provided by the Brazilian Space Agency. In addition to its commitments within the Esa, Italy will develop two mini modules for experiments.
Shuttle astronauts armed and ready Links to more Space station stories are at the foot of the page.