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  • [ISS / Japanese Experiment Module (KIBO)] Free-Space PADLES experiment conducted

    Free-Space PADLES experiment conducted

    Last Updated: July 14, 2015

    The first Free-Space PADLES experiment intended to investigate the space radiation dose outside the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” was conducted from June 1-15, 2015.

    PADLES will be shipped to the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) for analysis after its return to earth. During this technology demonstration mission, the following will be closely evaluated:

    • The space radiation environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
    • The hull wall capability of Kibo as compared to its internal environment

    The results of this experiment using PADLES will provide basic data useful for the risk assessment of Extravehicular Activities (EVA), and the assessment and optimization of hull wall thickness for manned spacecraft.

    The next experiment is scheduled in March 2016 or later.

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    Astronaut Scott Kelly verifies the retrieved Free-Space PADLES (June 17, 2015) (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

    Retraction to Kibo’s airlock

    On June 15, under remote control from the TKSC, Kibo’s robotic arm with Free-Space PADLES attached to the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) was transferred from the exposure point to in front of Kibo’s airlock door. PADLES on the MPEP was then retracted into the airlock.

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    MPEP being transferred to the airlock (June 15, Credit: JAXA/NASA)

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    The MPEP being transferred to the airlock on June 15 (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

    Free Space PADLES retraction [1 min., 54 s] (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

    Retrieval to the Kibo’s PM

    The MPEP was retracted into the Kibo’s airlock. After depressurization to 1 atm, Astronaut Scott Kelly retrieved PADLES for its return to earth.

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    Retracted MPEP (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

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    Free-Space PADLES being removed from the MPEP (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

    Digest video showing Free-Space PADLES retrieval [1 min., 28 s] (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

    Various types of experiments using PADLES have been conducted since 2008 with the launch of Kibo modules.

    See also:
    PADLES database
    Free-Space PADLES

    Responsible unit:
    JEM Mission Operations and Integration Center
    Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate
    JAXA Tsukuba Space Center

    *All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)

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  • Chameleon satellite to revolutionise telecom market

    Telecom satellites are set to enter a new age, as ESA, Eutelsat and Airbus Defence & Space begin designing the most flexible payload ever. 

  • Counting stars with Gaia

    This image, based on housekeeping data from ESA’s Gaia satellite, is no ordinary depiction of the heavens. While the image portrays the outline of our Galaxy, the Milky Way, and of its neighbouring Magellanic Clouds, it was obtained in a rather unusual way.

  • My first day at ESA


    First blog post by Jan Woerner, on taking up duty as ESA Director General

  • Telescopes focus on target of ESA’s asteroid mission

    Telescopes around the globe recently homed in on one point in the sky, observing the paired Didymos asteroids – the target for ESA’s proposed Asteroid Impact Mission.

    The 800 m-diameter main body is orbited by a 170 m moon, informally dubbed Didymoon. The duo were more favourably placed from March until early June for studies.

  • Week In Images


    Our week through the lens:
    22-26 June 2015

  • Full launch coverage


    Watch the replay of the full Sentinel-2A launch coverage from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on 23 June

  • Sampit, Indonesia


    Earth observation image of the week: a Sentinel-1A image of the Indonesian island of Borneo, also featured on the Earth from Space video programme

  • ESA invites ideas to cut space debris creation

    Tomorrow’s satellites must evolve – because the space they operate in is changing. New regulations on cutting space debris are influencing satellite design, and ESA is reaching out to satellite builders.

  • June 4, 1965, Earth Observations From Gemini IV

    June 4, 1965, Earth Observations From Gemini IV

    This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19, on June 4, 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth’s weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White’s historic spacewalk on June 3.

  • ESA heading towards removing space debris

    ESA’s goal of removing a derelict satellite from orbit is picking up pace, as a mission design is assembled to be put before European ministers next year for approval.

  • Selfies with Earth


    Space Science Image of the Week: Fifteen years ago, XMM-Newton took a series of mesmerising self-portraits with our planet

  • Magnetic Orion


    Planck portrays stellar birth and magnetic turbulence in the Orion Molecular Cloud