JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, September 2005

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

Mission Specialist Candidate Training

In September, astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki continued their Space Shuttle Mission Specialist training. The astronauts participated in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as part of their training for a long-term stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They also continued their space shuttle system training, ISS training, and T-38 flight training.

Space Shuttle System Training

In addition to lectures on the space shuttle systems, the training for this month included the use of simulators for responding to anomalies (malfunction training), and performing required team tasks.The final evaluation exam for each of the space shuttle's subsystems also continued.

ISS Training

Lectures for each subsystem, at an operator's level, such as the Electrical Power Supply, the ISS Crew Health Care System, and the Thermal Control System, were given in addition to skill training lectures.Final assessment exams for each of the subsystems were conducted.

Long-term stay training

The three Japanese ASCANs participated in the NOLS as part of the training for a long-term stay aboard the ISS. This training was held in an environment similar to what they will experience in space. In both cases, the team experienced working and living together; however, they were limited by the amount of clothing, type of foods, and tools. This training focused on leadership and teamwork.

Twenty-two members, consisting of ASCANs and NASA astronauts and instructors, were divided into two teams.The training started from an altitude of 2,900 m in the Rocky Mountains.Backpacks carried by each member were packed with over 20 kg of food and other necessities.During the nine-day hike in the Rocky Mountains, team members took turns leading the team each day.By listening to the team members’ opinions during different situations, such as members experiencing fatigue or changes in the weather, the members learned how to lead a team and to recognize the types of skills and teamwork required.

	The long-term-stay preparation training in the mountains of Wyoming has many things in common with long-term space flight. Spaceflight veterans at the training reported similarities between this training and actual space flight, which is helpful for actual flight. To minimize garbage, we learned to use pine needles and pebbles instead of toilet paper. (Ha ha!) We got to know each other well by spending all of our time together, and we learned more about the importance of teamwork. When it was reported that Houston was in the path of Hurricane Rita, the training was shortened by one day, and the team treated this change as a "malfunction."

EXPO 2005 AICHI JAPAN - "Our Future in Space: Japan Explores the Universe"

The Morizo-Kiccoro Messe Final Event, "Our Future in Space: Japan Explores the Universe," was held September 17 to 25 at EXPO 2005 in Aichi, Japan.Astronauts Mukai and Noguchi participated in this event which was attended by over 300 people.

Astronaut Noguchi appearing in the opening ceremony from Houston.

The opening event, "Let's talk with astronaut Noguchi!," was held September 17.Cheers erupted from the audience when astronaut Noguchi, from Houston, appeared on the screen via videophone.The participants were extremely curious about astronaut Noguchi's experiences.As astronaut Noguchi watched, the EXPO 2005 banner, which was taken to space on board the space shuttle Discovery and brought back, was returned to an EXPO 2005 official.After the ceremony, the banner was exhibited as part of the STS-114 mission's section, along with a photo of the Nagoya area taken by astronaut Noguchi aboard the shuttle Discovery.

Astronaut Mukai at talk event

On September 24, discussion sessions were held between astronaut Mukai and the audience.Astronaut Mukai talked about work and life in orbit.The audience asked questions such as, "Why did you want to become an astronaut?" and "What happened to the space medaka after they returned to Earth?"A youngster told astronaut Mukai, "I want to go to space."Astronaut Mukai replied, "Let's go together."The session progressed in amicable surroundings.After the session, there were handshakes, autographs, and a photo session.

Memorial Lecture in Young Entrepreneurs Group, 22nd Shikoku Block Niihama Meeting

At the Young Entrepreneurs’ Group, 22nd Shikoku Block Niihama Meeting, held at Niihama CitizenCultureCenter, located in Niihama, Aichi, astronaut Mohri gave a lecture on "What I think about in endless space."Over 1,200 people, mainly children, listened to astronaut Mohri’s lecture.

Astronaut Mohri answering questions

Astronaut Mohri talked about the types of foods consumed in space and changes that affect the human body in space, for the first part of his lecture.The children asked numerous questions and astronaut Mohri answered them individually.This was a good opportunity for the children to form a variety of dreams about their future.

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