Boeing [NYSE: BA] engineers and technicians recently completed several complex payload-processing tasks — including preparing the final two science platforms for Japan's Kibo laboratory — ahead of Space Shuttle Endeavour's upcoming mission to the International Space Station.

Boeing worked with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to prepare the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section for launch and to validate their compatibility with the space station. Mission STS-127's large, complex payload consumes all available power and electrical services, which presented a significant challenge to Boeing's Cargo Integration Team. Endeavour is set to launch June 13th to the International Space Station, where astronauts will install JAXA's components to complete the Kibo laboratory. The new platforms provide a sort of "outdoor patio" for science experiments. Endeavour also will carry a variety of spare parts and six new batteries for the station’s power-generating solar arrays. The STS-127 crew will conduct five spacewalks to install the two Kibo sections and to finish some work left over from the last shuttle mission to the station. During the course of two of these spacewalks, the crew also will install the new batteries on the station's Port 6 solar array. The six batteries weigh a total of 2,204 pounds and have a design life of approximately six and a half years. Other critical spare parts that Boeing has provided for the station will be stored on an external platform on the Port 3 truss.