|
|||||
 | |||||
| << May | July >> |    |
This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for June 2006.
Operations Simulation Training for the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" |
| Astronaut Hoshide during training |
Operations simulation training for the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), also known as "Kibo," was conducted at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). During this training, the Kibo simulator and the Kibo Mission Control Room were linked to simulate start-up operations that will be conducted once Kibo Pressurized Module (PM) is attached to the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronaut Hoshide has already been trained in ground operation support at NASA as a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM). The CAPCOM is responsible for the communication between the ground and the astronauts on orbit. With his past experience, Astronaut Hoshide participated in a technical support role.
 |
 |
 |
The ground controllers in the Control Room at TKSC are the bases of Kibo operations. Compared to the last time I participated in February, the ground controllers' skills have improved. I believe the ground controllers' teamwork has become much smoother. It won't be long until Kibo is launched. I hope the ground controllers will continue with their good work. |
 |
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) |
 |
| Astronaut Wakata (front) and Astronaut Hoshide (rear) preparing to enter the pool) | Astronaut Wakata (left) and Astronaut Hoshide (right) immersed in the NBL pool |
 |
 |
| Astronaut Furukawa before entering the pool | Astronaut Furukawa entering the NBL pool |
 |
 |
| Astronaut Noguchi (rear) and Astronaut Yamazaki (front) preparing to enter the pool | Astronaut Yamazaki before immersion in the pool |
Astronauts Furukawa, Hoshide and Yamazaki participated in EVA training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). During this training, the astronauts wore test spacesuits designed for use under water. The astronauts were immersed in the NBL pool, which provides neutral buoyancy to simulate weightlessness. This was one of four EVA basic training sessions required for Mission Specialists (MSs). The astronauts acquired the basic skills needed for conducting an EVA by working together with experienced astronauts in the NBL pool. Astronaut Furukawa, Astronaut Hoshide, and Astronaut Yamazaki paired up and received training from Astronaut Olivas, Astronaut Wakata, and Astronaut Noguchi, respectively.
When the space shuttle returns to Earth, the KU band antenna must be stowed and the payload bay doors must be shut. If any problem occurs during these operations, a contingency EVA is conducted to manually resolve any anomalies. During this session, training for this EVA operation was performed. In addition, replacing ISS components was also simulated.
Instructors' Refresher Training |
 |
| Astronaut Hoshide operating the CB Engineering Model during training | Astronaut Hoshide (right) meeting with an instructor |
Astronaut Hoshide participated in the Instructors' Refresher Training at TKSC. This training is intended for instructors of the Clean Bench (CB) and Solution Crystallization Observation Facility (SCOF), which are planned for installation in the Kibo PM.
The training instructors strive to enhance their daily instructional skills that are used for instructing astronauts who are training to become part of the ISS crew.
Astronaut Hoshide participated in this training by assuming the role of an ISS astronaut. Astronaut Hoshide evaluated the training itself from an astronaut's point of view, so as to enhance the instructors' skills and to improve the training as a whole.
|
|
|
I participated in this training, which had been revised from what had been offered in the past. The training also served as a rehearsal for new experiment devices. The training was very well planned. I am sure that after a few more practice sessions and training, the instructors will be able to provide the astronauts from the other space agencies that are participating in the ISS program with invaluable training. |
|
Opening ceremony of the International Space Exhibition |
| Astronaut Mukai (center) at the ribbon cutting ceremony |
The International Symposium of Space Technology and Science (ISTS) was held in Kanazawa City. At the ISTS, specialists and experts in space-related fields from Japan and other countries gathered to share their expertise and develop exchanges through their presentations. Astronaut Mukai participated in the opening ceremony of the International Space Exhibition at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where approximately 100 people had assembled.
During the opening ceremony, children from the local Baiko Pre-school played bells. The ISTS Committee Chairman, Mr. Matokawa, and the Vice-President of the ISTS Kanazawa Executive Committee, Ms Ishihara, who also serves as the superintendent of the Kanazawa education board, gave speeches. The awards ceremony was then held, and Ms Ishihara presented awards for the winning submissions in painting, essay, poetry, and Haiku. Astronaut Mukai gave words of encouragement to the winners and cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony.
| << May | July >> | |
|
