March 26, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata: Live communication by connecting Fukuoka and space!
The Space Shuttle “Discovery” left the International Space Station (ISS) to return to Earth at 4:53 a.m. on March 26 (Japan Standard Time, JST.)Astronaut Wakata, who saw the Discovery off as he is staying on the ISS, held a live communication program after the ISS Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” was connected with Kyushu University in Fukuoka from around 9:00 a.m. on the 26th (JST.) He answered several questions during the event.
(Photos: top: Astronaut Wakata during the live communication, bottom: the ISS with all its solar array paddles attached. Photos by NASA)
March 23, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata manipulated the robotic arm
The last solar array paddle on the ISS deployed
On March 20 (Japan Standard Time, JST) the S6 truss, the final truss of the International Space Station (ISS,) was installed. Astronaut Koichi Wakata manipulated the ISS robotic arm, the Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), from the inside of the ISS to move the S6 truss, which weighs about 14 tons, to its final installation position. On the 21st (JST), the solar array paddle that was stowed in the S6 truss was fully deployed, and, with that deployment, electric power that is sufficient for six crew members to live on the ISS can be supplied.On the 22nd (JST), a GPS for the Proximity Communication System was attached on the top of the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” in order to be ready for the docking of the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), a cargo supply ship to the ISS. The HTV is scheduled to be launched within Japan Fiscal Year 2009.
Space Shuttle “Discovery” will leave the ISS on March 26 (JST). (Photo by NASA)
March 18, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata begins long-term stay in space
The Space Shuttle “Discovery,” with Astronaut Koichi Wakata aboard, docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:20 a.m. on March 18 (Wed, Japan Standard Time, JST,) and the STS-119 crew, including Astronaut Wakata, entered the ISS at 8:09 a.m. (JST) Astronaut Wakata then began his stay on the ISS at around 11:00 a.m.(JST,) becoming a member of the Expedition 18 crew and the first Japanese to stay in space on a long-term mission by replacing Astronaut Sandra H. Magnus.Astronaut Wakata will live on the ISS for about three months and carry out various experiments. He will complete the building of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” by installing its Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, which will be transported to space by the STS-127 (2J/A) mission in about three months. Astronaut Wakata is slated to come home after finishing the Kibo assembly. (Photo by NASA)
March 16, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata becomes first Japanese to leave for space on long-term stay
The Space Shuttle "Discovery" with Astronaut Koichi Wakata aboard was launched from the NASA Kennedy Space Center at 8:34 a.m. on March 16 (Mon., Japan Standard Time or at 7:43 p.m. on March 15 Eastern Daylight Saving Time.)The "Discovery" will dock with the International Space Station (ISS), and Astronaut Wakata will stay there for about three months as a member of the Expedition 18 crew.
SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will broadcast the moment when Astronaut Wakata starts his long-term stay mission on the ISS through the Internet from 7:25 a.m. on the 18th (Wed.) Don't miss it!
We continue to welcome supportive massages for Astronaut Wakata. (Photo by NASA)
March 15, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata leaves for space at 8:43 a.m. on March 16 (Mon, JST)
The launch date and time for the Space Shuttle "Discovery" with Astronaut Wakata aboard have been reset for 8:43 a.m. on March 16 (Japan Standard Time.) Astronaut Wakata is the first Japanese astronaut who will stay in space for a prolonged period of time. Please encourage him.JAXA will broadcast the launch live from 8:10 a.m. on the 16th (Mon) by connecting the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center. You can enjoy the live broadcast via the Internet and at some public viewing sites including JAXA i. We continue to accept supportive massages to Astronaut Wakata. (Photo by NASA)
*The date and time of the live broadcast are subject to change due to the preparation status or weather conditions.
*The live broadcast may be cancelled in some public viewing areas due to schedule conflicts as the launch date and time are subject to change.
March 12, 2009 Updated
Astronaut Wakata's trip to ISS delayed to at least 16th (Mon, JST)
The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery with Astronaut Koichi Wakata aboard was postponed as leakage was found in the hydrogen gas vent line during loading operations for the liquid hydrogen propellant tank. The launch will be on March 15 (US Eastern Daylight Saving Time) at the earliest. In the case that the launch is set for the 15th, it will be at 8:43 a.m. on March 16 (Mon.) Japan Standard Time (JST) (or at 7:43 p.m. on the 15th EDT.) JAXA will broadcast the launch live from 8:10 a.m. on the 16th (Mon) by connecting the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center. You can enjoy the live broadcast via the Internet and at some public viewing sites including JAXA i. We continue to accept supportive massages to Astronaut Wakata. (Photo byNASA)
*The date and time of the live broadcast are subject to change due to the preparation status or weather conditions.
*The live broadcast may be cancelled in some public viewing areas due to schedule conflicts as the launch date and time are subject to change.
March 11, 2009 Updated
Live broadcast of Discovery launch with Astronaut Wakata aboard to start at 9:50 a.m. on the 12th (Thu., JST)
The Space Shuttle "Discovery" with Astronaut Koichi Wakata aboard is scheduled to be launched at 10:20 a.m. on the 12th (Thursday, Japan Standard Time, JST.)JAXA will broadcast the launch live from 9:50 a.m. on the 12th (Thu, JST) by connecting the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center. You can enjoy the live broadcast via the Internet and at some public viewing sites including JAXA i.
We continue to accept supportive massages to Astronaut Wakata. He is the first Japanese astronaut who will stay at the International Space Station for a prolonged period. Please encourage him! (Photo by NASA)
*The date and time of the live broadcast are subject to change due to the preparation status or weather conditions.
March 7, 2009 Updated
Launch Date of "Discovery" with Astronaut Wakata aboard
set for March 12
The launch date for the Space Shuttle “Discovery” with Astronaut Koichi Wakata aboard was officially set for 10:20 a.m. on March 12 (Thu.) 2009 (Japan Standard Time, or 9:20 p.m. on the 11th local time.)Astronaut Wakata will be the first Japanese astronaut who will stay on the International Space Station for an extended period, about three months. He will engage in the construction and installation of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo,” the Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section. After completing his work on the Kibo, he will return to Earth.
JAXA plans a live broadcast of the Discovery launch through the Internet and at JAXA i. We are continuing to accept supportive messages for Astronaut Wakata.
(Photo by NASA)