Astronauts Furukawa, Sumino, and Hoshide (from left) preparing for diving

Weightless Environment Test System (WETS)-EVA training No. 3 was conducted for Japanese astronauts from November to December, 2002. The training was conducted so that NASDA astronauts could acquire EVA technical knowledge, and maintain and improve EVA skills. Astronauts in underwater space suits (remodeled on-orbit space suits suitable for underwater) executed training procedures using a mockup of Kibo.

Additionally, Inner Vehicle (IV) crew training was conducted at the same time. The IV crew inside space shuttle confirms that the EVA procedures are going well and that there is no danger throughout all EVA operations. It is very important that IV crew members communicate well with EVA crew members to ensure EVA procedures smoothly.

Astronaut Furukawa in EVA training

Astronaut Hoshide in EVA training

Astronaut Sumino in IV training

Training for Airlock

Astronaut Sumino

The Kibo Advanced Training phase 2 (#2) Pilot Course was conducted for the Remote Manipulator System and Exposed Facility in Nov. 2002 and then for the Airlock and user facilities in December.

As well as the November training, astronaut Sumino participated in this month training as an observer and discussed it with trainees from NASA and ESA, engineers who also attended as observers, and instructors to improve Kibo training.

Launch of H-IIA F4

H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 4 (H-IIA F4) was launched on Dec. 14, 2002, from the Tanegashima Space Center. The H-IIA F4 carried "Midori II," Advanced Earth observing Satellite II (ADEOS-II), and released it into its proper orbit.

Astronaut Sumino worked as a member of the launch team and explained Kibo to the launch guests at the Space Exhibition Hall inside Tanegashima Space Center, as well as performing other external affairs duties.

NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe

NASA and NASDA meeting for future space development

On Dec. 6, 2002, a Heads of Agencies meeting (HOA) was held in Tokyo, with participation of the Administrators of NASA, ESA, CSA, NASDA and Rosaviakosmos to evaluate the ISS program and promote cooperation in it.

Before the meeting, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe and other NASA people visited Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). During their visit, astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide and Sumino gave them a description of Kibo flight model, and discussed the training status and future Space development with them.

On Dec. 22, Astronaut Furukawa participated in a lecture meeting titled "Fish jumping into Space" held at Kaikyokan (Marine Science Museum) in Shimonoseki City and gave a speech on "Dreams to Space; ISS and astronaut training." After his speech, he was asked many questions such about Space sickness, what happens if you go outside in space without a space suit, and so on.

Astronaut Hoshide speaking with an Educational Commission representative

American educational representatives of the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission Fulbright memorial fund visited TKSC. At that time, astronaut Hoshide spoke with them and explained astronaut training and overall Japanese space development. He also heard about the actual conditions in the field of education and educational activities for space development in the U.S.