JAXA Astronaut Activity Report

Training for the STS-131 mission

Astronaut Yamazaki, along with other STS-131 crew members, reviewing the procedures of hatch opening/closing (Photo credit: NASA)

Astronaut Yamazaki has been training for the STS-131 mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Astronaut Yamazaki, along with other STS-131 mission crew members, used the mockups of the International Space Station (ISS) modules and the space shuttle to review hatch opening/closing procedures of the space shuttle before ingress/egress to the ISS. She also reviewed the procedures of transferring supplies from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM).

STS-131 crew members reviewing the procedures of transfer operation, which will be conducted under Astronaut Yamazaki’s supervision (Photo credit: NASA)

Astronaut Yamazaki will serve as a loadmaster as well as a robot arm operator during the STS-131 mission. She will be in charge of transfer operations between the space shuttle and the ISS, and managing the transferred supplies during the mission.

CAPCOM services during the STS-130 mission

Astronaut Hoshide communicating with the STS-130 crew members (Photo credit: NASA)

Astronaut Hoshide supported the STS-130 mission, serving as a CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) at NASA's Mission Control Center (MCC) in Houston. He communicated with the STS-130 mission crew members on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Astronaut Hoshide will also serve as a CAPCOM during the STS-131 mission, aboard which Astronaut Yamazaki will fly.

Astronaut candidate (ASCAN) training

Astronaut candidates Mr. Yui, Mr. Onishi, and Mr. Kanai have been continuing their astronaut candidate (ASCAN) trainings in the U.S.

During flight training conducted this month using a T-38 jet trainer aircraft, they focused on instrument flight, which involves pilots flying an aircraft by referring only to the aircraft instrument panel for navigation.

They also received scuba diving training, in preparation for future Extravehicular Activity (EVA) training in the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). They began learning Russian this month as well.

Astronauts Yui and Onishi also participated in lectures on the ISS’s systems and environment to improve their understanding of the ISS.

Astronaut Wakata at the Symposium "Future Human Space Activity on board Kibo"

Astronaut Wakata at the Symposium

On February 14, Astronaut Wakata participated in the symposium "Future Human Space Activity on board Kibo," which was held at Tokyo International Exchange Center in Koto Ward, Tokyo.

Astronaut Wakata, along with astronauts from ISS partner countries who stayed on the ISS with him during his missions aboard the ISS, talked about his experience on board the ISS while showing images. He also participated in the panel discussion on "Entering the ranks of leading countries in the field of space technology" and "Future and dream of manned space activity."

Astronaut Wakata spoke of the ISS, describing it as "an international cooperation project in science and technology at a higher level than ever, as well as an important mission, which can be a touchstone to determine how international cooperation in this field will develop." He strongly supported the ISS by saying: "It is necessary to continue these kind of activities in which international partners make efforts to cooperate, and then, all of the countries can receive benefits from such efforts."