JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, October 2006

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

Rehearsal for CBEF Increment-Specific Training

Astronaut Doi as an astronaut trainee

Astronaut Doi participated in a rehearsal for Increment-Specific Training on the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF). The CBEF will be installed in the Pressurized Module (PM), a component of Japanese Experiment Module, "Kibo". The CBEF is an experiment facility equipped with an incubation unit consisting of a microgravity (µG) compartment and a 1-G compartment. The 1-G compartment is equipped with a centrifuge that will control the amount of gravity for experimentation.

Increment-Specific Training is for astronauts who will be assigned as ISS crew members during specific increments. The recently completed rehearsal simulated the preparation, from the launch of the CBEF until the CBEF becomes operational on orbit. Astronaut Doi assumed the role of an astronaut in training, and also evaluated the training in general. His evaluation will be used to improve the overall training program.

	I participated in a rehearsal of the CBEF training. The CBEF will enable us to cultivate cells, the base of all living organisms. The CBEF is specially equipped with a centrifuge that will enable us to compare experimental environments, under both microgravity and controlled gravity similar to Earth's. We will be better able to understand changes that the human body undergoes while in space, especially on the cellular level. The CBEF will provide the basic knowledge for living in outer space.

End-to-End Testing of the Kibo Pressurized Module (PM)

Astronauts Doi (right) and Hoshide (left) as crew members on orbit

Astronauts Doi and Hoshide participated in an end-to-end test for the Kibo PM, conducted by linking JAXA's TKSC with NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The end-to-end test determined whether commands could be transmitted from TKSC to Kibo and whether telemetry could be transmitted from Kibo to TKSC while Kibo is on orbit.

Astronauts Doi and Hoshide, along with two NASA astronauts at KSC, simulated the roles of astronauts working in orbit. Using a system known as the Portable Computer System (PCS), the astronauts sent commands to simulate the activation that would initiate the Kibo PM power-up process as well as the activation of a Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM). The CBM will be used to link the Kibo PM with the Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section (ELM-PS).

Kibo Operations Simulation Training

Astronaut Doi participating in the training

Astronaut Doi participated in Operations Training using the Kibo PM simulator at TKSC. Their repeated training aims to improve the flight controller's operational skills.

This operations training simulated replacing a system component after the Kibo PM is attached to the International Space Station (ISS) and was conducted by linking the Mission Control Room to the Kibo simulator, which simulates Kibo while on orbit. Astronaut Doi supported the activation as a crew member on orbit, while the flight controllers activated the replaced system component. He also observed the activities of the Kibo system operation's personnel to better understand the tasks of the flight controllers who will be working in the Mission Control Room on the ground.

First Psychological Training Working Group

Astronaut Mukai participated in the First Psychological Training Working Group in Moscow, Russia. This working group was organized under the auspices of the International Training Control Board (ITCB). The ITCB is responsible for determining the training programs for the ISS expedition crews and for coordinating the training schedules of the ISS international partners. Personnel responsible for astronaut training and mental and psychological health attended the Psychological Training Working Group along with the ISS international partners' astronauts. The group's task was to study the possible development of practical training programs, which will provide the astronauts with the required psychological capabilities for ISS Expedition crew members.

Astronaut Mukai participated in the discussion, basing her remarks on her experience in two spaceflights, the training she underwent for the flights, and her professional medical expertise.

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