[1] In initial configuration, Kibō consisted of six major elements:[2] The Pressurized Module (PM) is the core component connected to the port hatch of Harmony.

The experiment logistics module (ELM) includes two sections: The JEM remote manipulator system (JEMRMS) is a 10 m (33 ft) robotic arm, mounted at the port cone of the PM.

Once HTV had docked, the small fine arm was assembled by the crew and deployed outside the airlock to test it.

After the decommissioning of DRTS in August 2017, Kibō relies on the ISS's Ku band communication through NASA's TDRSS.

This is in contrast to the Russian modules, which are launched into orbit on multistage Proton rockets and then rendezvous and dock with the station automatically.

On 12 March 2007, the Experiment Logistics Module-Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) from Japan.

[14] It was stored in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) until launched into orbit aboard Endeavour on 11 March 2008 as part of the STS-123 mission.

The Exposed Facility (EF) and Experiment Logistics Module-External Section (ELM-ES) arrived at KSC on 24 September 2008.