August 2, 2025 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

JAXA Astronaut YUI Kimiya who arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) by the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-11), has begun his long-duration stay as the 73rd and 74th expedition crew member. Docking to the ISS and Opening Hatch schedules are as follows:

 The Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-11), launched at 01:09 (JST) on August 1, 2025, from the Kennedy Space Center, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 16:00 (JST) on August 2. Astronaut Yui Kimiya has now started his long-duration mission aboard the ISS.

 Under the mission theme of “Believe in a Bright Future and Take on New Challenges!”, astronaut Yui will engage in a wide range of activities. These include research in life sciences and material and physical sciences, as well as technological demonstrations contributing to future lunar exploration and Post-ISS initiatives. Additionally, space experiments aimed at fostering the development of the next generation will also be conducted. Leveraging the technologies cultivated through the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo," JAXA will undertake advanced initiatives such as in-orbit demonstration of carbon dioxide removal technologies, precision analysis of equipment affected by microgravity, and development of crop production systems using plant cells in space.

 This will be astronaut Yui’s second long-duration stay on the ISS. Since his previous mission, he has served as the head of the JAXA Astronaut Group and has undertaken various training programs in the United States and other locations. In this mission, taking over from astronaut Onishi, he is expected to utilize his extensive experience and contribute to Crew-11 as a harmonizing team member and a key figure in accomplishing the mission objectives.

 In addition, I think that this long-duration mission is a result of the strong trust and partnership between Japan and its international partners. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the valuable opportunity to be part of this mission. I especially extend my sincere thanks to NASA, other relevant domestic and international organizations, and to the general public for their continued support.

 The ISS remains an essential platform not only for advancing international space exploration but also for promoting commercial space activities and strengthening collaborations among industry, academia, and government. JAXA is committed to maximizing the outcomes of this mission and will continue to contribute to the development of Low Earth Orbit activities and the acceleration of international space exploration.