Return of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-2)
with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko
November 9, 2021 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-2) has safely returned to Earth with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko abord, who completed his long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
（*Time is the 24-hour clock.）
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Splashdown Date/Time： November 9, 2021 / 12:33(Japanese Standard Time, JST) [November 8, 2021 / 22:33(EST)] |
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Splashdown Location: Off the coast of Pensacola, Florida |
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Crewmembers： Crew-2 Commander Shane Kimbrough (NASA) Crew-2 Pilot Megan McArthur (NASA) Mission Specialist HOSHIDE Akihiko (JAXA) Mission Specialist Thomas Pesquet (ESA) |
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Reference link for further information:
https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/hoshide/index.html
Comments by JAXA President on the Return of the Crew Dragon
Spacecraft (Crew-2) with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko
We are pleased with the safe return of the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-2) with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko aboard, which splashed down off the coast of Pensacola, Florida today, following his long-term stay in the International Space Station (ISS).
He had played an important role of managing and commanding all ISS crew members, including ensuring safety, for the success of the entire mission as the second ISS commander for Japanese astronauts. With the mission theme of " Dreams can be realized ", he has carried out numerous experiments under great teamwork with the ground: verifying the effectiveness of biomaterials that can contribute to the prevention of muscular atrophy and performing cells on the internal gravity sensing mechanism, and joint experiments with private companies on plant cultivation for lunar exploration. Moreover, he had contributed to capacity development of students through holding programming competitions as well as realizing special classroom in collaboration with GIGA School Program. In addition, during his Extravehicular Activities (EVA), he contributed to installing a new solar array mount for the upgrade of the ISS and recorded the longest spacewalk time among Japanese astronauts.
After returning, I hope his experience during this mission is succeeded to JAXA Astronaut WAKATA Koichi and FURUKAWA Satoshi, who are planning their long stay missions after next year. In addition, his experience is expected to contribute to the expansion of the low-Earth orbit (LEO) utilization, such as ISS and Kibo, promotion of technology development for space exploration while enhancing international cooperation.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the NASA, ESA, CSA, ROSCOSMOS, related members of international partner organizations as well as Japanese people and many related organizations, who have provided us with precious support and assistance. We would like to ask for your continuous support and assistance to us.
November 9, 2021
YAMAKAWA Hiroshi,
President
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)