The 6.5 million mile journey to complete a Japanese space lab

Space · Published 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Space exploration is often defined by its triumphs, but the path to the stars is frequently paved with technical setbacks and atmospheric delays. The mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2009 serves as a masterclass in persistence, overcoming mechanical leaks and volatile weather to deliver critical infrastructure to the International Space Station.

On July 15, 2009, the Space Shuttle Endeavour launched from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The primary objective of mission STS-127 was the final assembly of the Japanese Experiment Module, known as Kibo. Two distinct parts, namely the Kibo Japanese Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section and the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility, had to be transported and fitted during this intricate undertaking.

The mission was nearly derailed before it began. A leak of gaseous hydrogen from the shuttle's external fuel tank's vent line connection, the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate, caused two separate launch failures in June 2009. While engineers worked to repair the leak, subsequent attempts were thwarted by Florida's unpredictable weather. It took a successful test on July 1 and a window of improving conditions to finally clear the vehicle for its 15-day, 16-hour flight.

Once in orbit, the crew of seven performed five spacewalks to install a permanent platform for space-exposed experiments and a detachable storage pallet. Three experiments were moved from the pallet onto the exposed platform by the robotic arm of the Kibo laboratory. This infrastructure allows for future experiments to be moved from inside the station to the vacuum of space via an airlock, significantly expanding the laboratory's research capabilities.

Endeavour returned to Earth on July 31, 2009, having traveled over 6.5 million miles. The mission underscored the collaborative nature of modern space exploration, combining American shuttle capabilities with Japanese laboratory infrastructure to push the boundaries of orbital science.

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