JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, December 2005

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

Mission Specialist Candidate Training

In December, Astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide, and Yamazaki continued their Space Shuttle Mission Specialist training.
The training included Space Shuttle Systems training, International Space Station (ISS) training, and T-38 flight training.
The Space Shuttle Systems training portion of the Mission Specialist (MS) Candidate training is now complete.

Space Shuttle System Training

In addition to attending lectures on the space shuttle systems, the training included the use of simulators for responding to anomalies, or training for any malfunction that may occur.
The candidates were separated into individual groups and performed their required tasks based on their accumulated knowledge of each subsystem.
The candidates also conducted Paper Simulations (Paper SIMs) that confirm the launch and re-entry operations.
All of the final assessment exams for each of the subsystems were completed, and the Space Shuttle training segment for MS Candidates has been completed.
They will continue training, so as to maintain and enhance their skills needed for the Space Shuttle flight.

	The Space Shuttle training portion of the MS candidate training was completed this month. Each candidate had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit simulator and train repeatedly on launch and return tasks, including emergency landing. Taking turns sitting in both the Mission Specialist's seat and the commander's seat provided the candidates with an invaluable training experience on the commander's role, as well as the opportunity to learn from the experience of the instructors. We'd like to do our best to support the launch and operation of the Japanese Experimental Module "Kibo" by enhancing our operational ability and by enhancing our teamwork with the ground controllers and ground crew through simulations with the Mission Control Center.

ISS Training

Lectures and skill training for each subsystem, including the Thermal Control System, Environmental Control and Life Support System, Robotics/Mechanisms System, and emergency operations, were given.
Final assessment exams for each of the subsystems were conducted.

Specialized training on Japan's Experiment Module Kibo

Astronaut Noguchi (left) and his instructor (right) during training on assembly and activation.	Astronaut Noguchi (left) and his instructor (right) during training on inner vehicle activities.

Astronaut Noguchi received specialized training on Japan's Experiment Module Kibo at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC).
The purpose of the training was to prepare a Kibo specialist, an astronaut who thoroughly understands and knows significantly more about Kibo than any other astronaut.

This training included the assembly and activation of Kibo, as well as reviewing the assembly and activation procedures based on various situations.
Training also included the replacement of the Inter-module Ventilation (IMV) valves and relocation of racks.

Space is my work place: Lecture by Astronaut Mukai

Astronaut Mukai lecturing at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, Paris, France.

On December 9, 2005, Astronaut Mukai gave a lecture on "Space is my workplace" at the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan, in Paris and at the Paris Japanese School.
Approximately 330 people attended these lectures.

Astronaut Mukai talked about her experience in space.
She spoke of the effects of weightlessness and explained about the ISS.
Both lectures generated many questions from the audience. It was a great time to interact with the participants.

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