JAXA Astronaut Activity Report, April 2007
Last Updated: June 22, 2007
This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for April 2007.
Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations Training
Astronaut Hoshide participated in training on the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), the robotic system on the International Space Station (ISS), conducted at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Astronaut Hoshide participated in a five-day CAPCOM training session on MSS operations in December 2006. During the training, astronaut Hoshide acquired the basic skills that will be essential for operating the MSS during the 1J Mission (STS-124). During the two-week training session, he attended lectures and received training while using simulators. Astronaut Hoshide will be able to utilize these newly acquired skills and techniques while participating in additional training sessions planned at Johnson Space Center (JSC) that are focused on the 1J Mission.
Verification of the Operations Data File for Kibo JEMRMS console’s Back-up Drive System
Astronaut Wakata and a NASA engineer verifying the ODF
Astronaut Wakata participated in verifying the Operations Data File (ODF) at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). The ODF will be used for installing the Back-up Drive System (BDS). The BDS will be used to support the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), Kibo’s robotic arm.
The BDS is a back-up system that supports the JEMRMS and enables it to operate safely if a failure occurs in the JEMRMS console that controls Kibo’s robotic arm. The BDS will be installed next to the JEMRMS console.
The verification was conducted by using the Pressurized Module Trainer (a full-scale mock-up training facility of the Pressurized Module). While following the ODF procedures, astronaut Wakata performed the installation tasks to verify the procedures and notes in the ODF and to confirm that the procedures were appropriate and easy to follow.
Lecture by astronaut Noguchi
Astronaut Noguchi giving a lecture
Astronaut Noguchi gave a lecture entitled "Diary in Space - 15 days aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery" in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. Approximately 900 people were in the audience in the Hanamakishi Bunkakaikan’s Main Hall to listen to his lecture.
Astronaut Noguchi, wearing his blue flight suit, started his talk with the story that inspired him to give this particular lecture in Iwate. He had brought with him, during the Space Shuttle Discovery mission, a copy of a finely replicated manuscript of Gingatetsudo no Yoru (“A Night on the Galactic Railroad”). This was a novel written by Kenji Miyazawa, an Iwate native. During his lecture, astronaut Noguchi talked about the activities that were accomplished during the STS-114 Mission, and he also described the beauty of the Earth as viewed from space. Astronaut Noguchi recalled his feelings in space and conveyed his impressions: “The Earth looked extremely beautiful from space. I strongly felt that we must pass this beautiful nature on to the next generation.” During the question and answer session, the children asked him numerous questions including, “how can someone become an astronaut” and “what were astronaut Noguchi thoughts while looking at the Earth.”
Astronaut Yamazaki participating in a NASA exhibit
Astronaut Yamazaki at NASA Exhibit
Astronaut Yamazaki participated in a NASA exhibit during the 2007 Grand Prix of Houston, a Grand Prix auto race held in Houston.
On display at the exhibit were space shuttle tires and spacesuits. The exhibit also described ways in which NASA is contributing to the auto racing industry. Astronaut Yamazaki participated in an autograph-signing session during the event.
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