JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, June and July 2005

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This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for June and July 2005.

Soyuz Training

Life-size model of the Soyuz spacecraft	Astronaut Wakata training in the full-scale Soyuz Spacecraft model.

In July, Astronaut Wakata participated in training on the Soyuz Spacecraft at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).This training was conducted using a precise life-size replica of the Soyuz spacecraft.The goal was to acquire proficiency in the Soyuz spacecraft’s internal structures and on the location of the equipment used in both the reentry and orbital module.

For Safer Remote Manipulator System Operation

Astronaut Wakata Checks the Design

At the TsukubaSpaceCenter, Astronaut Wakata checked the design of the Remote Manipulator System Control System, which will be installed as part of the Remote Manipulator System Console used in the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo.

This new control system ensures safer operation of the remote manipulator system, even if problems may adversely affect the console, which operates, controls and manages Kibo's remote manipulator system.

Astronaut Wakata checked on the assembly procedures and activation process by operating this hardware model to verify whether there were any problems with the design. Astronaut Wakata also verified that the system would not interfere with any activities inside of the Kibo from the perspective of an astronaut.

	The maintenance of the system is easy, and I believe that this system has a really mature design.With this system, Kibo's remote manipulator will become much safer.

Mission Specialist Candidate Training

In June and July, Astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki continued with their Space Shuttle Mission Specialist training, attending lectures, training on the simulators, and continuing with their Space Shuttle system training, ISS training and T-38 flight training.Also, the ASCANS participated in geological field training.

Space Shuttle System Training

The Tier 5 examinations are now complete, and the Space Shuttle System Training is proceeding on to Tier 6.This training will focus on responding to anomalies (malfunction training), and continues with lectures on Space Shuttle systems. More in-depth knowledge on the subsystems and operations will now be required to train for launch and reentry operations using simulators.

ISS Training

Training in June and July focused on subsystem operations, such as command and data handling, communication, operations network, crew health care system, and electrical power system. There will be final assessment examinations on each subsystem, after which the ASCANS will then be qualified as operators.

Field Training on Geology

Astronaut Hoshide in the Field

Astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki participated in geological field training at Taos, New Mexico.This training has taken place ever since the days of the Apollo program and has also been part of the Mission Specialist Training.The same professor has been in charge of this training ever since the days of Apollo.In this training, the ASCANS learned basic Earth observation and about the future of Mars and lunar exploration.

56th National Arbor Day

Astronaut Mohri participated in the 56th National Arbor Day, which took place in "Suigo Kenmin no Mori," Itako-shi, Ibaraki.Including the audience at "Okukuji Ikoi no Mori," which was connected by two-way communication via satellite to "Suigo Kenmin no Mori," over 12,000 people participated in this ceremony.

An elementary school student asked, "Will trees and plants grow in space?"Astronaut Mohri replied that plants can grow in space, and traces of water have been found on Mars.The audience became excited when Astronaut Mohri said, "Are any of you willing to go to Mars?If so, take the seeds of trees from Ibaraki."

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