Kibo-ABC is an Asia‑Pacific collaborative initiative launched in 2012 under the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF)’s Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEUWG). It promotes multinational use of Kibo, Japan’s Experiment Module (JEM) on the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific, educational, and technological experiments with the objective to broaden access to space-based research among Asia‑Pacific nations, build capacity and expertise in using Kibo’s unique module capabilities and foster bilateral and multilateral projects with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and participating agencies.
Through various programmes under Kibo-ABC, many countries have developed science payloads to conduct experiments on board the ISS.
Prerequisites:
• Access to technical expertise in space science R&D
• International partnerships with agencies or commercial providers
• Procurement pathway
• Partner support as needed
Cost:
Lite payloads – CubeSats, ISS experiments
• Ballpark: USD 100k–1M
• Includes: experiment design and preparation, integration with partner spacecraft or ISS module, launch and operations support, researcher training, data access and analysis
Full payloads – instruments on satellites or deep-space missions
• Ballpark: USD 1M–50M
• Includes: joint science definition, co-design and manufacturing of payload/instrument, environmental testing and AIV, integration with host spacecraft, launch and commissioning, operations and science exploitation
Timeframe:
Lite payloads
• Overall 24–48 mo
• Phase: partnership scoping & agreements (6–12 mo), payload/experiment design (6–12 mo), integration & launch (6–12 mo), operations & data analysis (6–12 mo)
Full payloads
• Overall 48–96 mo
• Phase: scoping & agreements (6–12 mo), payload design & development (18–36 mo), integration & testing (12–24 mo), launch & commissioning (6–12 mo), science operations & data analysis (12–24 mo)
Pros:
• Technology Access – Enables access to cutting-edge technologies through collaboration with space-leading nations.
• Cost Efficiency – Reduces costs by sharing resources through joint research missions.
Considerations:
• Decision-Making Challenges - Complicates decision-making due to differing governance structures and strategic interests.
• Funding Stability Requirement – Requires consistent and long-term financial commitment to support the continuity and success of extended space initiatives.