![JAXA's Astronaut](/pict/head_astro2_e.gif)
JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, October 2004
This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for October
2004.
Mission
Specialist Astronaut Candidate Training
In October, astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki continued
with their Space Shuttle Mission Specialist training.
T-38 flight
training
The astronauts continued with their T-38 flight training, which began
in September.
This month's training focused on instrument flying (flying
while relying solely on the aircraft's flight instruments), formation
flying, and skill check flight.
In the future, the astronauts will enhance
their skills through training on night flying and long-distance flying.
Training
in a zero-gravity environment aboard a KC-135 aircraft.
![image](images/041013_jsc2004e45082s.jpg) |
Training in a zero-gravity environment generated
by a KC-135 aircraft. |
![to Digital Archives](http://kibo6.tksc.nasda.go.jp/images/902226/99200.jpg) |
T-38 flight training and zero-gravity training |
Zero-gravity training was conducted aboard a KC-135.
By
flying parabolic arcs, this aircraft is capable of simulating 20 seconds
of zero gravity.
This KC-135 is also quite well known since it was also
used in the filming of the movie Apollo 13.
At the end of October, this
KC-135 was to be retired from active service.
A C-9 will replace the
KC-135 for future zero-gravity training.
On-site
training at NASA facilities
The astronauts visited Stennis Space Center, Michoud Operations, and
Marshall Space Flight Center. They observed test firing of the Space
Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) and the manufacturing of the External Tank
(ET).All of these facilities are doing their utmost for the Shuttle's
return to flight. Quite often, on the walls of these facilities, we
observed photos of the crew members who lost their lives in the Challenger
and Columbia accidents.We felt a keen awareness for safety and reliability at
these sites that support manned space flight activities.
Canadarm2
(Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS)) Operation Support
VIDEO |
![movie](images/041018_wakata_capcom.jpg) |
Astronaut Wakata supporting
the operation of the Canadarm2 as CAPCOM
[2
min. 5 sec] |
![play](../../../pict/playbutton.gif) |
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On October 18, Expedition 9 crew member Mike Fincke handed over operations
of the Canadarm2 to Expedition 10 crew member Leroy Chiao.Both astronauts
operated the Canadarm2 during the handover process.
Providing ground support for Astronaut Fincke and Chiao, Astronaut
Wakata served as the CAPCOM at Mission Control Center in Houston. Astronaut
Wakata and Astronaut Chiao had previously flown together on STS-72
and on STS-92.Astronaut Wakata has a total of 13 manipulator operation
events in space, and he has also served as a robotics instructor astronaut.
Astronaut Wakata was assigned as the CAPCOM for this operation due
to his vast experience with the manipulators.
Astronaut
Doi and Astronaut Wakata Awarded the GEM (Go the Extra Mile)
Astronaut Doi and Astronaut Wakata have been awarded the GEM (Go
the Extra Mile) AWARD.The GEM AWARD is given in recognition of noteworthy
NASA astronaut-related activities. Astronaut Doi received the GEM for
his contribution on the ISS and Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" activities
based on his decision-making abilities and skills. Astronaut Wakata
received the GEM for his contribution on ISS development and return-to-flight
activities based on his excellent robotic operations and EVA skills.
Last Updated: Jan. 6, 2005
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