We are pleased to announce that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) agreed the Japanese astronaut to fly aboard the second Space Shuttle flight for the transportation and assembly of the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo of the International Space Station (ISS) (STS-124/1J).
Assigned Astronaut: Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide (Mission Specialist(MS))
Orbiter: Atlantis
Planned Flight Schedule: Early 2008
Mission Duration: About two weeks
Expected activities: Assemble the Pressurized Module (PM) to the ISS and activate it, and perform other activities. Specific tasks assigned to him are to be determined in the future.
Planned schedule of the Astronaut: General training for being aboard the Space Shuttle and the ISS and specific training for Kibo assembly will be provided.
Reference:
Brief personal history of Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/03/20070323_kibo_e.html#ref01
Onboard Schedule for the Japanese Astronauts
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/03/20070323_kibo_e.html#ref02
Comments from JAXA President
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2007/03/20070323_kibo_e.html#ref03
Reference Link: ISS Kibo Information Center
http://iss.sfo.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
