Mission Control Center, Houston, Texas

HOUSTON Ever closer to its final configuration, the Japanese Kibo laboratory now has its storage module attached. The logistics module was repositioned from its temporary location atop Harmony, and now sits in its permanent location on top of the large laboratory.

The logistics module was moved by Expedition 17 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer Greg Chamitoff and Discovery Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg. They used the space station's robotic arm for the delicate maneuver, which began with the module's removal at 2:16 p.m. and concluded with latches capturing it in place on the lab 42 minutes later at 2:58 p.m.

The crew pressurized the hatchway to the logistics module and performed initial leak checks. The team in Mission Control will continue the leak checks overnight. The crew will enter the module Monday afternoon.

Preparations continued on the Japanese remote manipulator system. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide activated the robotic arm's operating station and released brakes for initial tests. The 33-foot robotic arm will be moved for the first time Saturday. The small motion provides access to thermal covers that will be removed during the spacewalk Sunday.

Other crew members continued with transfer work and internal outfitting of the Kibo laboratory, which now has 12 experiment and control racks installed.

The crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 9:02 p.m. and awaken at 5:02 a.m. Saturday.

The next status report will be issued at the start of the crew day, or earlier if events warrant.

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