Japan Plays an Important Role on the International Space Station

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Japan Plays an Important Role on the International Space Station

On August 24, 2015, the KOUNOTORI 5 cargo spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station. KOUNOTORI 5 was captured by astronaut Kimiya Yui, who was on a long-duration mission on the ISS. On the ground, astronaut Koichi Wakata assisted the docking as lead CAPCOM (capsule communicator). It was the first time that the two roles were handled by Japanese at the same time.
In the meantime, the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo has been operating securely since its completion in July 2009, and its utilization is expanding with new space-based experiments and private-sector use. With plans to further extend the utilization of Kibo, JAXA’s ambition is to contribute even more to the international community. In this special feature, learn about Japan’s new activities and role on the ISS, which are enhancing the country’s presence around the world.

Team Japan Earns the Trust of the World Koichi Wakata JAXA Astronaut
Rock-Solid Technology, Made in Japan Dai Asoh Flight Director, H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV) Manager, JEM/HTV operations and HTV Cargo Integration, JEM Mission Operations and Integration Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA
New Directions for Research on Kibo Tetsuya Sakashita Manager, Kibo Promotion Office, JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA
In Space There Is So Much to Learn Yasuhiro Nakamura Senior Engineer Manager, Materials and Physical Science Mission Team, JEM Utilization Center, Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, JAXA
Studying the Human Body in Space Can Shed Light on Life on Earth Satoshi Furukawa JAXA Astronaut Head of JAXA Space Biomedical Research Group Representative of the Living in Space Research Project

[ April 13, 2016 ]

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