This is JAXA's Japanese astronaut primary activity report for August 2010.
ISS Expedition Operations Training in Russia
Astronaut Furukawa, assigned as an International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 28/29 crew member, participated in operation training on the Soyuz spacecraft and the Russian ISS modules at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC).
Furukawa reviewed the Soyuz spacecraft’s manual operation procedures for final approach to the ISS and reentry using the Soyuz simulator. He then participated in training to respond to emergencies, such as fire and rapid depressurization on board the Russian modules, including how to escape the ISS with the Soyuz spacecraft in the event of a life-threatening situation. Furukawa also learned the attitude control systems and the reentry control systems of the modernized Soyuz Descent Module.
Astronaut Hoshide, assigned as an ISS Expedition 32/33 crew member, participated in an intensive Russian language program in Moscow to further enhance his Russian language skills for smooth communications with Russian crew mates and the Russian flight control team during his stay aboard the ISS, as well as with Russian instructors during his training in Russia.
Astronaut Candidate Training
Astronaut candidates Yui, Onishi, and Kanai continued their Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) training program in the United States. Most of their training this month took place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). They participated in training on ISS systems and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) according to their respective training schedules.
Yui learned the structural configurations of the station’s thermal control systems and the maintenance procedure of the station’s Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). He was then evaluated to check his level of achievement on the station’s motion control systems, which he learned during the previous training. He also learned procedures to handle anomalies of the ISS systems, as well as a basic approach to address contingency situations aboard the ISS.
He received a lecture on crew activities performed during berthing operations of JAXA’s H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), and then simulated the HTV berthing operations. During EVA training, he simulated EVA activities using the pool at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), and reviewed campout procedures using the Quest airlock mockup.
Astronaut Candidate Onishi simulating EVA activities in the NBL pool (Photo Credit: JAXA/NASA)
Onishi’s training this month mainly focused on EVA. He donned an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) and simulated EVA activities in the NBL pool. It was his first EVA training using the NBL pool. He learned the overviews of the EMU’s Life Support System (LSS) and the Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER), and how to use those life support tools. He also learned operation procedures of the Quest airlock and its system equipment.
Kanai participated in training using the ISS mockup to learn about the station’s electrical power system, including configuration and outfitting of power cables inside the ISS modules, as well as living quarters and supplies. Kanai attended lectures on the overview of the Thermal Control System (TCS) and operation procedures of the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ). He also participated in a geography field seminar held in New Mexico to learn the basics of Earth observation science.
The three candidates attended a lecture on leadership and followership, both of which are extremely important for team-building and teamwork during a long-duration mission in space. The lecture was given by an experienced veteran astronaut who stayed aboard the ISS for a long-duration mission. The three astronaut candidates also continued their flight training using the T-38 trainer as well as their language lessons.
Astronaut Noguchi’s Public Homecoming Event
Astronaut Noguchi’s Public Homecoming Event at Hibiya Public Hall (Photo Credit: JAXA)
Astronaut Noguchi participated in public homecoming events held at Hibiya Public Hall (Chiyoda, Tokyo) on August 5 and at Chigasaki City Culture Hall (Chigasaki, Kanagawa) on August 9. He shared his experiences of the long-duration mission aboard the ISS.
During the public events, a video and photos were shown on the hall’s screen while Noguchi described his tasks and activities as an ISS Expedition 22/23 crew member and his experiences on board the ISS. Before the public event at Chigasaki City Culture Hall, Noguchi took part in a parade arranged in honor of his homecoming. During the parade, he was welcomed by many Chigasaki people.
