The Kibo Pressurized Module (PM) departed from Japan for NASA Kennedy Space Center on May 2, 2003.

PM was viewed by the press on April 11 before its departure from Japan. Astronaut Sumino answered various questions from the press turning her previous experience as an engineer in system integration and an astronaut to advantage.

Click here for more about Kibo PM transfer to US.

Astronaut Sumino explaining PM to the press

Astronaut Hoshide attended the Columbia Accident Investigation Status briefing with NASDA engineer to explain the status of the Accident Investigation Board and to answer questions from the media.

Meeting place

The 26th Japanese medical community general convention, which is held by the Japanese medical community every four years, was held at several meeting places in Fukuoka City in early April with a motto of "Human science from Japan to the world - medical science and practice for the 21 century seeking confidence and fullness."

Astronaut Furukawa giving a lecture

Astronaut Furukawa gave a lecture titled "Medical science in space" in front of many doctors, medical experts and students on April 4. He talked about space sickness, exercise to decrease bone mass loss, and a decline in muscle strength in space. He also explained training as an astronaut, life in space, and ISS.

On April 19, Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) opened its door to the public with the catch phrase "from Tsukuba to Space." 3,900 people visited the center.

Astronaut Furukawa handled "Challenge the Astronaut! - English training -" with Mr. Gary, an English teacher for astronauts. He explained his own training and conducted training for radio communication terms in English and radio communication simulation. Many participants in the audience even tried to practice greeting in Russian and warmed up well.

Astronaut Furukawa handling "Challenge the Astronaut! - English training -"

As to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the General Post Office, astronaut Sumino served as an honorary manager of Matsudo post office in her home city, Matsudo, Chiba, on April 21.

After an inauguration ceremony, she made a speech as the honorary post office manager. She then delivered mail to her former elementary school and Matsudo City Hall. Finally, she visited delivery and collection facilities inside the post office. She interacted with post office workers and many citizens in this one day.

Visiting Matsudo City Hall

On April 12, astronaut Hoshide appeared as a guest on Children's TV station "Dream studio 1030," which was broadcast live. This program is targeted at elementary and junior high school students in order to encourage their dreams. In this program, guests talk with children in more than 3000 sites in Japan, connected by satellite communications lines.

For 90 minutes, Astronaut Hoshide explained the environment in space, training for astronauts, ISS, Kibo, and how he became an astronaut. He answered questions from children in the studio and sent by fax. In the end, he mentioned Columbia accident and told children, "It was a sad accident, but we would try to overcome it. Be fair with your friends and challenge many things that interact with you."

Explaining vacuum environment with a simple experiment

Explaining a space suit with questions and answers