Announcement of the Space Vehicle for JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko's International Space Station (ISS) Expedition
July 28, 2020 (JST)
National Research & Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
JAXA astronaut, HOSHIDE Akihiko, currently preparing and training for the ISS Expedition, has been decided to board the second operational Crew Dragon developed by Space-X. The launch is scheduled for spring 2021.
This is his third Space flight, and in addition, he has been assigned as the second Japanese astronaut to be the ISS commander, following Astronaut WAKATA Koichi.
The flight schedule will be announced when more details are available.
Comment from Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko
It has been decided that I will be boarding the SpaceX's second Crew Dragon. As I have been training for long duration flight aboard the International Space Station, it is an honor to be able to board this new vehicle, following JAXA astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi. I am looking forward to board on this commercial vehicle which has been developed by the private sector utilizing new technology based on novel, innovative concept in addition to the U.S. Space Shuttle and the Russian Soyuz, those of which have long history and steady performance. At the same time, feeling the arrival of a new epoch.
Though the training phase will begin shifting to the final phase under this COVID-19 situation, I would like to ask for everyone's renewed support.