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Interview with astronaut Wakata
We interviewed astronaut Wakata about mission STS-92.

Q1. What is your primary role in this mission?

Wakata. The Space Shuttle manipulator system (robot arm) operation is my most important role in the mission STS-92 on board Space Shuttle Discovery. After the Space Shuttle is docked to the ISS, I will use the shuttle robot arm to connect the Z-1 truss, equipped with the ISS communications system and the attitude control system, and PMA-3 that will be used as the docking port of the ISS and the Space Shuttle, to the ISS on orbit. I will also support the four EVAs with the robot arm.


Q2. What kind of training courses are you receiving?
Astronaut Wakata receiving robot arm operation training
Wakata. We need to study vary hard before and after every trainings. However, all crew members, including six Americans, are enjoying the training very much. To be ready for the launch in the spring of 2000, we are primarily being trained for Space Shuttle launch, reentry, and on orbit assembly operations. These days much time is used for Space Shuttle system operation during launch; on-orbit ISS assembly operation including EVAs and robot arm operations; and flight phase training such as deorbit, reentry, and landing. Also, along with the training, many operations planning meetings, involving equipment design engineers and flight controllers in the mission control center, are held since many on-orbit operations tasks will be first experiences for NASA.


Q3. Is it difficult to operate the robot arm ?
Common Berthing
Mechanism
Wakata. The robot arm operation performed during this mission has two interesting points. One is that both the Z-1 truss and PMA-3 will be connected to the ISS using the common berthing mechanism (CBM) that is used to connect various elements to the ISS. During this mission, berthing using this mechanism will be performed for the first time in space. (This CBM will be used for the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" as well.)

When you attach the CBM, very fine arm operation is required since the acceptable robot arm position and attitude error is very small. Training is being conducted to move each of the arm joints manually if the robot arm's control computer fails. This requires more careful manipulation.

Another point is that, the CBM's attachment mechanism is not clearly visible directly nor indirectly by a TV camera when it is being attached. This requires operating the arm while measuring the position and attitude of the Z-1 truss or PMA-3 using the Space Vision System(SVS), complicating the connecting operation. All of the operations must be conducted with special care. I am receiving intense training based on my experience when I retrieved the Japanese satellite SFU by a robot arm, so that I will be able to perform a good job.


Q4. Now, final question. Are you happy to become an astronaut ?

Wakata. Yes, certainly. To be able to participate in the ISS program, the dreams of mankind, for which people worldwide concentrate their wisdom to expand the area of human activity, makes me feel this is truly worthwhile being engaged in.


Last Updated : June 1, 2000
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