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This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for September 2006.
Verification of Kibo Pressurized Module Operations Data File |
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| Astronaut Doi inspecting the equipment | Astronaut Wakata inspecting the equipment |
JAXA Astronauts Doi, Wakata, and Hoshide, along with astronauts from NASA, participated in the verification of the Operations Data File (ODF) for the Pressurized Module (PM) of the Japanese Experiment Module, "Kibo". The verification was conducted at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. The ODF is the set of procedures to be followed by both the crew in orbit and the flight controllers on the ground, during various stages of operations. This verification was conducted by using the flight model, so as to confirm that, by following the ODF, operations can successfully be completed.
During the verification, the ODF procedures followed included the initial activation of the Kibo PM as well as troubleshooting activities during nominal operations. Participants used the ODF procedures to verify that the handrails, labels, and tools were appropriately situated for working within the Kibo PM, and that the installation and wiring procedures for instruments, cables, and pipes were feasible.
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As astronauts, we supported the verification of the operating procedures that other astronauts will follow while working in the Kibo PM. As the launch date for the Kibo module approaches, this particular test is attracting significant attention from the NASA astronauts. We received invaluable feedback from veteran astronauts who have significant space-flight experience. Although the procedures prepared by the flight controllers are well planned, verification in the flight model will improve the accuracy of the operating procedures. |
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Kibo Operations Simulation Training |
| Astronaut Yamazaki operating the Kibo RMS in the simulator |
Astronauts Hoshide and Yamazaki participated in the Operations Simulation Training for the Japanese Experiment Module, "Kibo". This training, conducted several times a month, is aimed at developing flight controllers who will be involved in Kibo's operations.
Astronaut Yamazaki plays a leading role in the robotic arm operation for the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 14. At NASA's Astronaut Office, Robotic Branch, she supports the operation of the Station's robotic arm (Canadarm2) and provides the voice communication between NASA's Mission Control Center and the astronauts on orbit. Based on her experience at NASA, Astronaut Yamazaki was chosen for simulation training in a series of operations, from the deployment of Kibo Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to the RMS storage position (where the RMS is placed while not being used on orbit). Astronaut Yamazaki participated in the training, playing the role of an astronaut operating the RMS on orbit. She performed a series of operations using the Kibo RMS simulator.
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| Astronaut Hoshide (right) talking with a flight controller, serving as CAPCOM |
Astronaut Hoshide participated in simulation training for operation of the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) and the Image Processing Unit (IPU). Both will be installed in Kibo's PM. Astronaut Hoshide assumed the role of an astronaut operating the equipment while on orbit. Based on his experience in his current assignment at NASA's Astronaut Office CAPCOM Branch, Astronaut Hoshide advised the flight controller team, which includes the CAPCOM between the International Space Station (ISS) crew and Kibo Flight Control. Several times a month, as current CAPCOM, Astronaut Hoshide provides voice communication between NASA's Mission Control Center and the ISS Expedition crew.
Evaluation of Training Used for ESA's "Columbus" Laboratory |
| Astronaut Furukawa and other participants (©ESA/EAC) |
Astronaut Furukawa participated in evaluating the training that will be used for the European Space Agency's (ESA) "Columbus" laboratory. The evaluation of the training was held at ESA's European Astronaut Center (EAC) in Germany, and was conducted to verify the entire training program in an effort to further improve the quality of the training.
The ESA laboratory module Columbus, when attached to the International Space Station (ISS), will be used to conduct a variety of experiments, including biology, physics, and material science. Astronaut Furukawa attended classroom lectures on the laboratory and operational training using simulators and a mockup, and then verified the training procedures. These activities will be used to evaluate the training. Improved training for Columbus, incorporating the results of this evaluation, will be fully available to the ISS Expedition crewmembers.
Space Talk Show During 2006 National Space Day Festival |
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| Astronaut Yamazaki speaking to the audience | Quiz tournament |
Astronaut Yamazaki participated in the "Space Talk Show" during the 2006 National Space Day, held in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Various events were available to participants, who enjoyed such activities as making "Dancing Kibo" paper handcrafts, creating and launching rockets using film cases, taking pictures wearing a spacesuit, and making tin badges with the spacesuit photos.
The Talk Show attracted an audience of approximately 450 people. Astronaut Yamazaki described the astronauts' training and their various tasks while in space. Other segments of the Talk Show included a space quiz tournament, prepared by students from Kigo-yama Uchu-juku (Mt. Kigo Space School) and a question-and-answer session. A session for naming a newly discovered asteroid, discovered by Mr. Kazuo Watanabe, an amateur astronomer, also livened up the show. Mr. Junichi Watanabe, head of the Public Information Office of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), also joined the audience and Astronaut Yamazaki in selecting the name for the asteroid.
JTTA 2006 in Takasaki: Public Lecture at the JTTA Conference |
| Astronaut Mukai speaking to the audience |
Astronaut Mukai participated in the Japan Telemedicine and Telecare Association (JTTA) conference, held at Takasaki University of Health and Welfare in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. The lecture, attended by approximately 380 people, included the public as well as fellow JTTA members.
In her lecture titled "Health on the Ground as Seen from Space", Astronaut Mukai described the beauty of the Earth as observed from space, and the significance of Earth observation activities. On the topic of mankind's relationship with outer space, she explained the importance of studying the effects of the space environment on the human body, which is expected to lead to development of future medicines for use on Earth, and of the researches that will make use of the results from space utilization activities that will benefit our lives on the ground.
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