Astronaut Koichi Wakata, who returned to Earth last month after a long stay on the International Space Station, held a press conference from the United States, where he was staying, about his fifth space flight. There were a lot of difficulties, but we overcame them with teamwork.”
Astronaut Koichi Wakata has been on the International Space Station since October last year. returned to earth.
After returning to Japan, Mr. Wakata was staying in the United States for medical treatment.
Looking back on his fifth space flight, the most by any Japanese, Mr. Wakata said, “Although we had the most troubles, such as a leak in the cooling system of the Soyuz spacecraft, we overcame them by cooperating with countries around the world. It was a mission that made me feel.”
Regarding future manned space exploration, Mr. Wakata expressed his aspirations, saying, “I would like to make efforts so that Japan can play a more proactive role by making use of the technology and human resources that we have acquired thus far.”
In addition, regarding Ayu Yoneda and Osamu Suwari, who were newly selected as Japanese astronaut candidates, he said, “These two people have wonderful qualities, and they will study the cutting edge of manned space activities around the world and develop their own abilities. I want you to raise your expectations.”