JAXA Astronaut Activity Report

Space Shuttle Mission Simulation Training at NASA

Astronaut Furukawa simulating operation of Canadarm2 at the SSTF

Astronauts Furukawa and Yamazaki participated in training sessions held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). The sessions used simulators to simulate the International Space Station (ISS) assembly missions that will be conducted during the space shuttle flights.

The operation of attaching the P3/P4 Truss segment to the tip of the P1 Truss segment was simulated during the training session. This operation has, in fact, already been conducted during the STS-115 mission.

Astronaut Yamazaki using the SMS in the role of a space shuttle crew member

Astronaut Furukawa, who assumed the role of an ISS crew member, simulated the operation of Canadarm2 (Space Station Remote Manipulator System: SSRMS) used for attaching the P3/P4 Truss to the P1 Truss. This operation was simulated using the ISS simulator at the Space Station Training Facility (SSTF). Astronaut Yamazaki, who assumed the role of a space shuttle crew member, simulated the operations of the space shuttle’s systems using the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS). Astronaut Yamazaki, acting as an ISS crew member, coordinated the task activities with astronaut Furukawa as well as with flight controllers on the ground. Training on how to respond to emergencies during the operations was also conducted by deliberately creating emergency situations during the simulation.

	During the simulation, I completed the tasks by working with the other participating astronauts who had assumed the roles of ISS crew members and space shuttle crew members, which also included astronaut Yamazaki, as well as with the flight controllers on the ground. It was important to conduct the operations safely and securely while effectively communicating with the other participants. Our training definitely focused on that point. I hope to have an opportunity to operate the Canadarm2 while on board the ISS in the near future.

Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” Training, using the Virtual Reality (VR) system

Reviewing the rack relocation procedure

Astronaut Yamazaki listening to training instructions

Astronaut Yamazaki participated in training on the relocation and installation of the racks using the VR system at JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). The rack relocation and installation task is part of the operation to assemble and activate the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.”

The training involved relocating the Kibo system racks, Remote Manipulator System (RMS) console, and the experiment racks from the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section (ELM-PS) to the Pressurized Module (PM). These operations are planned as part of the 1J Assembly Flight mission, which is the second of the three planned Kibo assembly flights.

While using the VR system, astronaut Yamazaki went through an overview of the assembly and activation operation, including how the internal Kibo PM configuration changes whenever the racks are relocated and installed.

Pilot Course Training on the Image Processing Unit (IPU)

Astronaut Hoshide during the training session

Astronaut Hoshide was a course evaluator in the Pilot Course Training on the Image Processing Unit (IPU).

The objective was for the astronauts to evaluate the Pilot Course Training effectiveness from a trainee’s perspective, including evaluating the training facilities and materials, instructional contents, and instructors’ skills. This is considered as part of the final preparation phase before proceeding to conducting the advanced training*.

Astronaut Hoshide participated in the training by assuming the role of an astronaut trainee undertaking the IPU advanced training. Astronaut Hoshide evaluated the overall effectiveness of the training.

*What is advanced training? Advanced training is training on the general ISS operations and is conducted for astronauts selected as ISS expedition crew members. JAXA conducts all of the training that’s related to Kibo.

NASA-JAXA Joint Multi-Segment Training (JMST) for Kibo

Astronaut Wakata during the training session

Astronaut Wakata participated in the NASA-JAXA Joint Multi-Segment Training (JMST) for Kibo. This training was conducted by establishing communications links between JAXA’s TKSC and NASA’s JSC.

During the JMST, the Kibo PM was activated using the Kibo Simulator at JSC. Astronaut Wakata participated in the training from JSC in the role of on-orbit crew member. Astronaut Wakata simulated the activation procedures of the Kibo PM while working with the JAXA Flight Controllers.