JAXA logo labeled.
July 26, 2011 (JST)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has been providing basic training to be certified as an astronaut for the International Space Station (ISS) to astronaut candidates Kimiya Yui, and Takuya Ohnishi since April 2009, and also to astronaut candidate Norishige Kanai since September 2009. The three candidates have completed all their basic training requirements, thus they were certified as ISS astronauts on July 25, 2011.
The three will further participate in training to improve their knowledge and techniques as astronauts mainly at the NASA Johnson Space Center as well as in Japan and other countries.
Reference:
Basic training aims at acquiring basic knowledge and techniques necessary for ISS onboard astronauts. The training shall be provided by the country that selected the astronaut candidates, and it is based on the training program agreed among the space agencies of ISS participating countries (Japan, the U.S., Canada, European countries and Russia.).
Training subjects are: 1) training to acquire knowledge on spacecraft systems, the ISS system, basic engineering, and basic science; 2) training to acquire techniques to operate the ISS system, to conduct extravehicular activities, and to maneuver a robotic arm; 3) training to acquire basic skills and behavior as an astronaut including piloting an aircraft and survival training; 4) improving English and Russian language skills.
Certified astronauts:
Astronaut Kimiya Yui
Astronaut Takuya Ohnishi
Astronaut Norishige Kanai
Brief history of the three astronauts:
Biography of Astronauts Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai
Congratulatory messages from other astronauts on certification
<Astronaut Chiaki Mukai>
Congratulations to Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai on their certification.
I am looking forward to working with you in the field of space medicine and biology when you stay at the ISS for a long period of time.
Let's work together and do our best for human space development that can contribute to society.
<Astronaut Koichi Wakata>
Congratulations to Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai on their certification.
As a fellow JAXA astronaut, I am very proud of your splendid activities during the astronaut candidate training.
Now, it is time for you to play an active roll in space.
With your passion, let's further improve various astronaut activities including training for a long-time stay at the ISS, then let's work together to develop the world's human space activities.
<Astronaut Souichi Noguchi>
Congratulations to Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai on their certification.
I suppose that you all are relieved after completing the severe ASCAN training in Houston.
Please work harder to be ready for your first flight.
I am looking forward to working with you.
<Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa>
Congratulations to Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai on their certification.
At the ISS, all training items that we have gone through are useful.
The certification this time is just a passing point to be an astronaut, so please steadily climb the ladder one step at a time.
From space to the future ? let's work together to be able to contribute to a better future for society through human space activities.
<Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide>
Congratulations to Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai on their certification.
You are now one step closer to space after completing the NASA astronaut candidate training for about two years.
I expect that you will take an active part in space based on the foundations of high skill and teamwork built through further improving your knowledge and technique like our women's soccer team "Nadeshiko Japan."
Let's do our best!
<Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki>
I am very glad to hear that the three of you, Mr. Yui, Ohnishi, and Kanai, have been certified and now join us as a fellow astronauts.
You will all bring a fresh breeze to Japan's human space development.
I would like to give you my full support for you to do your best in your daily training and work, then in operations of the ISS.
Let's make every effort toward the Kibo's future.
Mission website:
International Space Station - JAXA: http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/
Images, Text, Credit: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Greetings, Orbiter.ch
