JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, April 2006

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This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for April 2006.

Japanese Experiment Module Kibo Operations Simulation

Astronaut Doi during the training session

Astronaut Doi participated in the operations simulation of Kibo held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). As in prior training simulations, astronaut Doi, who was participating for the first time in six months, served as the capsule communicator (CAPCOM) between the astronauts and Mission Control. Astronauts Wakata and Hoshide had previously served as the CAPCOM in prior training sessions.

In this particular session, a portion of the procedures to activate Kibo PM was simulated. The session also involved NASA Mission Controllers. During the simulation, Kibo anomalies were simulated, and the Mission Controllers discussed possible measures to resolve the anomalies and the rescheduling of the operations. Astronaut Doi smoothly and accurately conveyed information between the astronauts and Mission Control.

	I was participating in this training for the first time in six months, whereas the Mission Controllers have been participating in these training sessions at least once a month. I believe preparations are well on their way. Good communication is vital for this training since many people are involved in the Kibo operations. We will continue with operations simulations until the launch of Kibo. We still need to continue improving. To create one solid team, that is our goal. I hope that Kibo will be delivered to and installed smoothly on the International Space Station (ISS). I also hope that the space experiments and observations will proceed as planned.

Opening Ceremony for the 47th Science and Technology Week

Astronauts Mohri (left) and Mukai (right) encouraging the medalists of the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Astronauts Mohri and Mukai attended the opening ceremony for the 47th annual "Science and Technology Week" that was held in front of the Megastar Dome at the Marunouchi Building near Tokyo Station. Every year during "Science and Technology Week," science museums, universities, and research institutions nationwide open their doors and conduct various events in an effort to revitalize interest in science and technology.

At the fellowship banquet held after the opening ceremony, astronauts Mohri and Mukai gave words of encouragement to the medalists of the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Open House ("Public Opening Day") at TKSC: "Astronaut Mukai's Mini Space School!"

Astronaut Mukai during her lecture

At the Tsukuba Space Center Open House that was open to the general public and held in conjunction with the 47th annual "Science and Technology Week," astronaut Mukai gave a lecture entitled, "Astronaut Mukai's Mini Space School!" Both of the sessions held, a morning session and an afternoon session, were well attended.

During the lecture, astronaut Mukai spoke about the experiments that were conducted during her past two missions and about life in space. She explained the difficulties of gargling in a weightless environment, about how gargling on Earth is possible due to the weight of the water, and gave the children who attended the lectures a chance to experience the difference between a weightless environment and the Earth environment. In the latter part of her lectures, she introduced Kibo and the ISS. She explained how in the future the Kibo Mission Control Room at TKSC will be able to communicate with the ISS. During the Q&A sessions held at the end of the lectures, she received many questions from the audience. The conclusion of the lectures was met with a thunderous applause.

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