Status of JAXA Astronaut Soichi Noguchi’s
Preparation of Upcoming International Space Station (ISS) Expedition
July 23, 2019 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, as he was released from his backup crew assignment for Soyuz 59S with its successful launch, is now slated to begin training to board a United States Crew Vehicle (USCV) while he continues to train for an ISS expedition crew.
The specific vehicle provider and its flight schedule will be announced when more details are available.
Please note that the plan is tentative and may change due to various factors including the USCV development schedule.
【Comment of Astro Noguchi】
I am very honored to have the opportunity to board the newly developed crew vehicle as the first Japanese astronaut.
I believe that this marks the historical turning point of human space flight and am feeling tightened by the importance of this mission.
There are still more steps to overcome for the development to realize the successful launch of the vehicle, but to pass on the dreams to the next space generation, I would like to continue training sincerely.
Lastly, I would like to thank all for the support up until now, and would like to ask for the continuous support.
Soichi Noguchi
Astronaut, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency