JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, January 2005

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This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for January 2005.

Mission Specialist Candidate Training

In January, Astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki continued their Mission Specialist training for the Space Shuttle.

The Candidates trained on the T-38 jet while visiting the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) during January 2005.

Space Shuttle System Training

The Space Shuttle System Training is now in its second phase, when lectures are given on the nominal operations of the Space Shuttle's subsystems, such as the Reaction Control System, Auxiliary Power Unit System ? Environmental Control, and Life Support System. The Candidates also engaged in simulations using the trainers.

	We prepared for the classes by studying manuals written in English. We received lectures and simulator training, reviewed what we learned, and moved on to the next step. We took periodic exams just as we did in school. The tremendous amount of required study reminds me of when I was in school or studying for a school entrance exam. It is tough sometimes, but it is a delight to learn something new and achieve something in the simulator that you could not achieve the day before.

On-site Training at NASA Facilities

Astronaut Hoshide and Candidate Joe Acaba visiting an elementary school

The members of the 2004 ASCAN class visited the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), which includes an alternate orbiter-landing site. The WSTF uses an airplane known as the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) for the Shuttle landing training, and includes facilities for testing in hypergolic and high velocity debris impact. The candidates observed the site that directly supports the Space Shuttle program. We broke up into several groups and visited the local elementary schools and high schools. More than two thousand teachers and students listened to the lectures.

Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" Specialized Training

Training with the Airlock Trainer

Training with the Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) Simulator

Astronaut Wakata conducted specialized training on the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC).

The purpose is to train a Kibo specialist, an astronaut who thoroughly understands and knows significantly more about Kibo than any other astronaut. This training includes: -Items not included in previous advanced training -Highly difficult tasks conducted during Kibo's assembly, activation, and in-orbit checkout procedure -Response to anomalies The purpose of this training is to develop the skills necessary to become a Kibo specialist.

Astronaut Wakata received training on the assembly, activation, and checkout procedures for Kibo, on operation of the airlock and the Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS). He also learned to use the trainers. Future plans include additional simulations and response training for anomalies, which will ensure efficient coordination between the astronauts and ground controllers.

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