JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko Starts
the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition Mission
April 24, 2021 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko, who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) by the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-2), has begun his long-duration stay as a 65th and 66th expedition crew member. He will remain onboard the ISS for about six months until returning to the Earth on the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-2).
| 1. | Docking Date/Time: April 24, 2021 / 18:08(Japanese Standard Time, JST) April 24, 2021 / 5:08(EDT) Time is the 24-hour clock. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Hatch Open Date/Time: April 24, 2021 / 20:05(Japanese Standard Time, JST) April 24, 2021 / 7:05(EDT) Time is same as above. |
Reference links for further information:
https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/astronaut/hoshide-akihiko/
Comments by the JAXA President on
Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko’s Commencement of his Long-Duration
Stay on the ISS
Today, the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-2) successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 18:08(JST) and Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko has started a long duration stay, about six months onboard the ISS.
This is Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko's 3rd spaceflight, and he will become an ISS commander, which is second time for Japanese astronauts after astronaut WAKATA Koichi.
His expedition is one with the underlying theme "Dreams can be realized" – addressing the "promising missions for the realization of dreams, which will contribute to human resource development characterized as three main pillars of the mission: science, private use and the maximization of results by a spirit of teamwork".
During his ISS expedition, JAXA is planning space experiments in the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo”, such as demonstrating technology for the construction of a next-generation water recovery system, verifying the effectiveness of biomaterials that can contribute to the prevention of muscular atrophy and performing cells on the internal gravity sensing mechanism and holding programming competitions using onboard drone robots. I have high expectations that his activities will bring excellent outcomes in the use of Kibo.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to NASA, ESA, CSA, ROSCOSMOS and related members of international partner organizations as well as Japanese people, who have provided us with precious support and assistance to make today’s success happen. We would like to ask for your continuous support and assistance to us.
April 24, 2021
YAMAKAWA Hiroshi,
President
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)