Moving Toward a New Era of Manned Space Activities ∼ Recruiting Japanese Astronauts for the First Time in 10 Years ∼
The assembly of the first Japanese manned space facility, the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo, started early this year. Japan has entered an era of manned space activity. Astronauts Takao Doi and Akihiko Hoshide made space flights in March and June, respectively, and Astronaut Koichi Wakata will make a space flight after December. Their job is to attach Kibo to the International Space Station (ISS). Astronaut Wakata is not just going to complete the assembly of the Kibo; he will also be the first Japanese person to perform space experiments during a long duration ISS expedition. This new era of space activities requires more people in space than ever before, and JAXA has started to recruit Japanese astronauts for the first time in ten years. To find out what JAXA's goals are for its manned space activities in the 21st century and what is required for new Japanese astronauts, we asked Kuniaki Shiraki, Executive Director of the Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate, and Shigeru Yanagawa, Director of the Human Space Technology and Astronaut Wakata, who is now training for a long-duration expedition, talks about his experiences as an astronaut and his memories of the selection test.
In Search of the Unknown Frontier Kuniaki Shiraki Executive Director, JAXA Executive Director of the Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate
Going to Space as a Representative of Japan Koji Yanagawa Director of the Human Space Technology and Astronaut Department, JAXA Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate
An Intense Passion to Work in Space Koichi Wakata JAXA Astronaut