MOHRI Mamoru

Born in Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan.

Graduated from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University. In 1972, completed Master of Science in Chemistry at the same university.

Earned Ph.D. in Chemistry from Flinders University of South Australia. Areas of specialty include vacuum science, surface science, material science, and nuclear fusion.

Selected alongside Chiaki Mukai and Takao Doi by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, currently Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on NASA’s First Material Processing Test (FMPT)/STS-47 mission Spacelab-J as a Payload Specialist.

Conducted research at the Center for Microgravity and Materials Research, the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Became the first Japanese scientist to fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, as well as the first person to broadcast live classes from space, demonstrating the unusual characteristics of weightlessness for Japanese children.

Qualified as a NASA Mission Specialist.

Flew for a second time aboard the Space Shuttle Endavour on the STS-99 mission.
Mapped more than 47 million miles of the Earth's surface to develop a 3D rendition of Earth. Also on the STS-99 mission, acquired earth observation data with a High-Definition Television (HDTV) camera for the first time in history.

Became the first Chief Executive Director of Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Miraikan. In addition to curating a space that communicates cutting-edge science and technology across a wide range of fields, including space, to society, is also engaged in educating those who will bear responsibility for Japan’s science and technology in the future. Also serves as an advisor to new astronauts.