March 31, 2008 Updated
Let's go to space and explore the future!
Accepting applications for Japanese astronaut candidates from April 1
JAXA is recruiting new Japanese astronaut candidates for the first time in 10 years. The candidates are expected to stay at the International Space Station (ISS) for a prolonged period of time to engage in the operation and maintenance of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” and the ISS itself, as well as to be in charge of carrying out space utilization missions in various areas. Applications should be submitted between April 1 and June 20. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who are willing to explore space frontiers and who will contribute to the welfare of mankind.
March 27, 2008 Updated
Space Shuttle Endeavour Lands Safely
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) advised that the Space Shuttle Endeavour with Astronaut Doi onboard successfully landed at 9:39 a.m. on March 27, Japan Standard Time (JST), at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, U.S.A., to complete its mission in 15 days, 18 hours and 11 minutes.
March 25, 2008 Updated
Space Shuttle Endeavour separated from the ISS
Scheduled to return at 9:39 on March 27, 2008
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, with Japanese Astronaut Takao Doi aboard, completed assembly of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" and successfully performed five Extra Vehicular Activities, before separating from the International Space Station (ISS) at 9:25 (Japanese Standard Time, JST) on March 25, 2008.The Endeavour will now make preparations for re-entry and landing and is scheduled to return to earth at 9:39 (JST) on March 27, 2008.
March 20, 2008 Updated
"Hello from the Kibo"
Astronaut Doi communicates with Prime Minister Fukuda
On the morning of March 20 (Japan Standard Time), Astronauts Takao Doi, Dominic Gorie and Peggy Whitson communicated with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda at his official residence. They also spoke with Kisaburo Tokai, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and students from Astronaut Doi's old Higashi Junior High School in Kofu-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture. Astronaut Mukai acted as a facilitator at the Prime Minister's official residence.
During his free time after work on the 8th day of the flight, Astronaut Doi threw a boomerang inside the International Space Station. To his surprise, it came back to him even in the zero-gravity environment.
March 15, 2008 Updated
"Kibo's" door finally opens up! Astronaut Doi enters module.
On Saturday, March 15, the fifth day of the mission, the hatch to the Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” was opened and Space Shuttle crewmembers, including Astronaut Takao Doi, entered the module at 10:30 a.m. (Japanese Standard Time).As the crewmembers entered the lab, we received a message from Astronaut Doi at the control room in Tsukuba, saying, “People in Japan, this is from the Kibo. It’s great pleasure for me to work in the Kibo. This is the opening of a new and magnificent space era for Japan. Congratulations everyone!”
March 11, 2008 Updated
Space Shuttle Endeavour successfully launched! Astronaut Doi's second trip to space
The Space Shuttle Endeavour, Mission STS-123 (1J/A), which is carrying the Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo," and has Japanese Astronaut Takao Doi aboard, was successfully launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 15:28 p.m. (Japan Standard Time, JST) on Tuesday, March 11th.The Endeavour is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) and attach Kibo’s experiment module to the ISS. The space shuttle is expected to return to Earth around 9:33 a.m. (JST) on Thursday, March 27.
There will be a special live Internet broadcast through “SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE” of various scenes, from the Space Shuttle Endeavour docking with the ISS, to the connection of the Kibo, to the return of Astronaut Doi to Earth.
March 10, 2008 Updated
Your support is appreciated!
Watch the live launch on the 11th and cheer on Astronaut Doi
The Space Shuttle "Endeavour," which JAXA Astronaut Takao Doi will be aboard, is scheduled for launch at 3:28 p.m. (Japan Standard Time) on the 11th (Tue.)The 1J/A (STS-123) is the first "Kibo" delivery mission to the International Space Station (ISS,) and the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" will be attached to the ISS.
JAXA will broadcast a live report in Japanese through the Internet from 11:30 a.m. on the 11th (Tue.) From 3:00 p.m., the live launch report will be broadcast at JAXA field centers all over Japan, and at JAXA i. Please come and join us!
We are asking for your continued messages of support for Astronaut Doi.
*The date and time of the live report is subject to change due to launch preparations and/or weather conditions.
March 1, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA"Completion of the Critical Operation Phase
JAXA completed the critical operation phase of the KIZUNA (WINDS,) whose multi-beam antennas had been successfully deployed, at 8:35 p.m. on March 1 (JST.) We will further maneuver the orbit from the drift orbit to the geostationary orbit (at about 143 degrees east longitude) sometime around March 14. We will also carry out the initial functional verification of the onboard equipment for about four months.