| Basic Training Report, September 1999 |
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In September, the astronaut candidates (ASCANs) Furukawa, Hoshide, and
Sumino received basic training such as scuba diving, photography, and aircraft
flight.
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Diving Training |
The ASCANs are slated to participate in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training
next year at Tsukuba Space Center to acquire the basic skills necessary
to conduct an EVA. The training will be conducted using the Weightless
Environment Test System (WETS) wearing a space suit modified for underwater
use.
In order to gain necessary knowledge and skills related to diving, Furukawa
and Hoshide participated in diving training at the Japan Marine Science
and Technology Center (JAMSTEC).
They received lectures on diving, diving regulation, and diving physiology.
They also practiced snorkeling and scuba diving in a 3.5 m-deep diving
pool. Training included swimming with extra weights on, swimming 40 m in
length underwater without breathing, recovering diving equipment underwater,
and escaping from obstacles in very poor visibility condition, in case
of an emergency situation. These training were conducted to increase the
proficiency in diving.
ASCAN Sumino had already been trained in a previous assignment.
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| Swimming with extra
weights |
Swimming underwater for 40
m |
Weight and mask recovery training |
Escaping from obstacles in poor visibility |
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Photography Training |
In the middle of September, the three ASCANs received training in photography.
They learned the principles and skills on still, digital, and video cameras.
Such training is necessary since taking videos and photographs of the experiments
and the Earth will be one of their important tasks on the International
Space Station (ISS)
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| Classroom lecture |
Camera operation training |
Video camera operation training |
ASCAN Furukawa |
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Aircraft Flight Training |
ASCANs Furukawa and Hoshide began small aircraft flight training in Houston,
Texas. This training will be continued about two months (until November).
The purpose of this training is to improve their skills on radio communication
in English, multitask operation under stressful conditions, instrument
operation, as well as cultivating a sense of flight. ASCAN Sumino continues
language training and physical training at Tsukuba Space Center. She will
participate in flight training in the near future.
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| Small aircraft for training |
ASCAN Hoshide |
ASCANs and the instructor |
@The next training report will be issued in early November.
Last Updated : October 19, 1999
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