Koichi Wakata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Koichi Wakata
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Wakata in 2022
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| Born | 1 August 1963 Ōmiya, Saitama, Japan
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| Occupation | Structural Engineer |
| Space career | |
| NASDA/JAXA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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504 days, 18 hours, 33 minutes |
| Selection | 1992 NASDA Group |
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Total EVAs
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2 |
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Total EVA time
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14 hours, 2 minutes |
| Missions |
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Mission insignia
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| Retirement | 31 March 2024 |
Koichi Wakata (若田 光一, Wakata Kōichi, born 1 August 1963) is a Japanese engineer and an astronaut. He worked for the JAXA for many years. In 2024, he joined Axiom Space.
Wakata has spent over 500 days in space. He flew on five different space missions. These included three trips on the Space Shuttle, one on a Soyuz spacecraft, and one on a Crew Dragon capsule. He also lived on the International Space Station (ISS) for long periods three times. During one of these missions, Expedition 39, he became the first Japanese commander of the ISS.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Koichi Wakata was born in Ōmiya, Saitama, Japan. He studied Aeronautical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at Kyushu University. He earned his first degree in 1987 and a master's degree in 1989. Later, in 2004, he received a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. Before becoming an astronaut, he worked as an engineer for Japan Airlines.
Becoming an Astronaut
Wakata was chosen to be an astronaut candidate in 1992 by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). This agency is now known as JAXA. He trained at NASA's Johnson Space Center in the United States.
Wakata took on many important roles. He helped manage a robotic arm experiment for the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station. In 2000, he became an instructor for NASA, teaching others about robotics. In 2006, he led the 10th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission. This was a seven-day trip living underwater in a special lab off the coast of Florida. It helped prepare astronauts for living in space.
Space Missions
Koichi Wakata has flown on five space missions. Each mission helped build or work on the International Space Station.
STS-72: First Japanese Mission Specialist
Wakata's first space trip was on STS-72 in 1996. On this mission, he became the first Japanese person to be a mission specialist. The crew helped retrieve a Japanese satellite called the Space Flyer Unit. They also tested new ways to help build the International Space Station.
During STS-72, Wakata and fellow astronaut Dan Barry played the game Go in space. They used a special game set designed just for space.
STS-92: Building the ISS
In 2000, Wakata flew on STS-92. He was the first Japanese astronaut to help build the International Space Station. The crew used the Discovery's robotic arm to attach important parts to the station. These parts helped prepare the station for its first permanent crew.
Expeditions 18, 19, and 20: Long Stay on ISS
In 2009, Wakata launched to the International Space Station on STS-119. He was the first JAXA astronaut to live on the station for a long time. He served as a flight engineer for Expedition 18, Expedition 19, and Expedition 20. He returned to Earth four and a half months later on STS-127.
Wakata was the first person to be part of five different crews without returning to Earth. These were STS-119, Expedition 18, Expedition 19, Expedition 20, and STS-127.
While on the station, he did fun experiments suggested by the public. These included flying a "magic carpet" and doing push-ups. He even wore the same special underpants for a month as an experiment!
Expeditions 38 and 39: ISS Commander
Wakata returned to the International Space Station in November 2013 on Soyuz TMA-11M. This was for another six-month mission, covering Expedition 38 and Expedition 39.
During this mission, Wakata worked with Kirobo, a small robot. Kirobo was designed to be a companion robot for astronauts. They did experiments together, including the first-ever human-robot conversation in space.
In March 2014, Wakata became the commander of the International Space Station for Expedition 39. This was a big moment because he was the first Japanese astronaut to command the ISS. He was also only the third astronaut from outside Russia or America to hold this role. Wakata came back to Earth in May 2014.
SpaceX Crew-5: Latest Mission
In 2022, Wakata returned to the ISS for another long mission as part of SpaceX Crew-5. He was a mission specialist on this flight. This mission was part of Expedition 68 on the International Space Station.
After JAXA
Wakata retired from JAXA in March 2024. Soon after, in April 2024, it was announced that he joined Axiom Space. He now works there as an astronaut and as the Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Personal Life
Koichi Wakata is married to Stefanie von Sachsen-Altenburg from Germany. They have a son. Wakata is also an experienced pilot. He has flown many different types of aircraft for over 2100 hours.
Honors
A small planet, 6208 Wakata, is named after him to honor his achievements.
See also
In Spanish: Koichi Wakata para niños
