March 12, 2023 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-5) has safely returned to Earth with JAXA Astronaut WAKATA Koichi abord, who completed his long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS).

Note:
➣　The Crew-5 crews stayed for 157 days, 10 hours and 2 minutes in space (155 days, 10 hours and 19 minutes in the ISS).
➣　Accumulative Days of JAXA Astronaut WAKATA Koichi both in space and the ISS
・ In space: 504 days, 18 hours and 35 minutes (The longest record among the Japanese astronauts)
・ In the ISS: 482 days, 15 hours and 57 minutes (The longest record among the Japanese astronauts)

Reference link for further information:
https://humans-in-space.jaxa.jp/en/astronaut/wakata-koichi/

We are pleased to announce the safe return of the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-5) with JAXA Astronaut WAKATA Koichi aboard. The spacecraft splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa, Florida today, following Koichi’s long-term stay in the International Space Station (ISS).

During his long-duration mission, Koichi worked with the ground operations team and astronauts of overseas crews under the mission theme of, "Dream, Spirit of Inquiry and Consideration," and carried out missions ranging from scientific research using the microgravity environment to technological demonstrations for future lunar exploration as well as space experiments proposed by students both from Japan and overseas that have contributed to our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Astronaut WAKATA has boarded three types of spacecraft―the Space Shuttle, Soyuz and Crew Dragon―and his total stay in space has exceeded one year for the first time for a Japanese astronaut (totaling 504 days). Moreover, Koichi performed his first two EVAs during this mission to assemble a new roll-out of a mounting platform for a solar array―indispensable for the ISS operation and utilization until 2030.

I think Koichi has played a key role among his fellows by making the most of his rich experiences as an astronaut. He has created many valuable accomplishments with his colleagues. These are, I believe, indispensable assets to our life on Earth and future exploration. In addition, his experience will also contribute to the expansion of low-Earth orbit (LEO) utilization, such as ISS and Kibo, promotion of technology development for space exploration, and enhancement of international cooperation.

I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to NASA, ESA, CSA, ROSCOSMOS and our international partners as well as the Japanese people and organizations that have provided us with such precious support. We would like to ask for your continued support and assistance. Thank you.

March 12, 2023
YAMAKAWA Hiroshi,
President
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)