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December 2009

Chronological Index
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December 23, 2009 Updated

Astronaut Noguchi began ISS expedition

The Soyuz spacecraft (21S), with Astronaut Soichi Noguchi aboard, docked at the International Space Station at 7:48 a.m. on Dec. 23 (Wed., Japan Standard Time.) At 9:30 a.m. (JST), the hatch to the ISS was opened and Astronaut Noguchi started his long-term stay at the ISS as a crewmember of the 22nd expedition crew.
Astronaut Noguchi is scheduled to stay at the ISS for about five months and will carry out various science experiments utilizing the space environment. Your support messages to Astronaut Noguchi are welcomed. (Photo by NASA)

December 21, 2009 Updated

Astronaut Noguchi travels to space again: Flying from Baikonur on the Soyuz

The Soyuz spacecraft (21S), with Astronaut Soichi Noguchi aboard, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Republic of Kazakhstan) at 6:52 a.m. on December 21 (Mon., Japan Standard Time, all the following dates and time are JST.)
The Soyuz will dock with the International Space Station at 7:54 a.m. on the 23rd (Wed.) JAXA will broadcast a live report of the docking from 7:30 a.m. and the Soyuz hatch opening to the ISS from 9:00 a.m. on the 23rd through the Internet. You can also watch the reports at JAXA i. Don’t miss them!
We are accepting support messages to Astronaut Noguchi. Please support and encourage Astronaut Noguchi, who will play an important role as an flight engineer during this mission.
*Date and time of the live reports are subject to change due to mission progress status.
(Photo by NASA/JAXA/Bill Ingalls)

December 16, 2009 Updated

Live launch report of Astronaut Noguchi's Soyuz mission from 6:00 a.m. on Dec. 21 (Mon.)

JAXA will broadcast a live launch report of the Soyuz spacecraft mission (21S), which Astronaut Soichi Noguchi will be aboard by connecting the Baikonur Cosmodrome and JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center. The launch is scheduled for Dec. 21 (Mon.) and the live report will begin at 6:00 a.m. JAXA i will also open at 6:00 a.m. to provide a public viewing service.
We are accepting your messages to Astronaut Noguchi. Your support and encouragement for his mission is highly appreciated.
* The date and time of the live report are subject to change due to launch preparation status and weather conditions.
(Photo by NASA)

December 7, 2009 Updated

Astronaut Noguchi leaving for space by Soyuz at 6:52 a.m. on the 21st (Mon, JST)

The launch day and time of the Soyuz Spacecraft (21S,) which Astronaut Soichi Noguchi will be onboard, was officially announced at 6:52 a.m. on December 21 (Mon, Japan Standard Time.) Astronaut Noguchi will stay at the International Space Station (ISS) for about six months as a crewmember of the 22nd and 23rd expeditions.
We began to accept support messages for Astronaut Noguchi. We are looking forward to receiving your encouraging messages!

December 4, 2009 Updated

Solar sail "IKAROS x LightSail" Support Campaign
Let's set sail for the solar system by a solar yacht!

A yacht travels through the ocean using wind pressure. Thus, theoretically, solar sails should move their way through space by receiving pressure from solar lights. JAXA and the Planetary Society of the U.S. will launch "IKAROS (Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun)" and "LightSail-1" respectively in Japan Fiscal Year 2010 to carry out verification tests on this technology. Taking this opportunity, the two organizations would like to hold a message campaign together to ask your support for the two missions.
If we can verify that solar sails move forward by solar lights, it will be a new propulsion technology that can save engine power and fuel consumption. For a successful verification, we would like to ask your support. Your messages will be attached to the IKAROS and LightSail-1 to travel in space. We can accept your message till March 14, 2010 (Japan Standard Time.)