August 15, 2007 Updated
New Launch day of "KAGUYA"
The launch of the Lunar Orbit Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 13 (H-IIA F13) was rescheduled for 10:35:47 a.m. on September 13 (Thu), 2007, (Japan Standard Time) after replacement work on parts in the two onboard baby satellites of the "KAGUYA" was successfully completed. We plan to broadcast a live launch report on the launch day. Please enjoy it. August 9, 2007 Updated
Astronaut Furukawa participating in NEEMO training
Astronaut Furukawa has been participating in training for the 13th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) between Aug. 6 and 15.The NEEMO training is underway at the closed facility "Aquarius" of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. The astronauts live in the Aquarius, which is placed 20 meters below sea level off Florida, U.S.A., to simulate the space environment. The training aims to improve their leadership, teamwork, and self-control abilities, which are required for future missions, and to develop new technology and mission-operation technology.
You can take a look at real-time images of the training site on the NOAA website. You may be surprised by fish which sometimes appear in the window!