Naoko Yamazaki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Naoko Yamazaki
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| Born | December 27, 1970 Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
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| Status | Retired |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Occupation | Engineer, Researcher |
| Space career | |
| NASDA/JAXA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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15 days, 2 hours, 47 minutes |
| Selection | 1999 NASDA Group |
| Missions | STS-131 |
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Mission insignia
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| Retirement | August 31, 2011 |
Naoko Yamazaki (山崎 直子, Yamazaki Naoko, born December 27, 1970) is a Japanese engineer and former astronaut at JAXA. She was the second Japanese woman to fly in space. The first was Chiaki Mukai.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Naoko Yamazaki was born in Matsudo City, Japan. She also lived in Sapporo for two years when she was a child. Naoko finished high school in 1989.
She then went to the University of Tokyo. In 1993, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Her main subject was Aerospace Engineering. She continued her studies and received a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1996.
Becoming an Astronaut at JAXA
Naoko Yamazaki started working at the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) in 1996. NASDA is now known as JAXA. She helped develop the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). This module is a part of the ISS.
She also worked on fixing problems with the JEM. She helped create the first steps for how to use it. From 1998 to 2000, she worked on a special science tool. This tool was called the ISS Centrifuge. It was used for life science experiments.
Astronaut Training
In February 1999, Naoko Yamazaki was chosen as an astronaut candidate. She began her basic astronaut training in April 1999. By September 2001, she was officially certified as an astronaut.
After 2001, she continued with advanced training for the ISS. She also helped develop new equipment for the Japanese Experiment Module. In May 2004, she completed training in Russia. This training taught her how to be a Flight Engineer for the Soyuz spacecraft.
Working with NASA
In June 2004, Naoko Yamazaki moved to Houston, Texas. She started astronaut training at the Johnson Space Center. She was assigned to the Robotics Branch. This branch works with robots in space.
In 2006, she was chosen as a NASA mission specialist. This meant she would help manage space missions.
Flying on the Space Shuttle
In November 2008, JAXA announced exciting news. Naoko Yamazaki would be the second Japanese woman to fly into space. Her mission was STS-131. This mission launched on April 5, 2010.
She flew on the space shuttle Discovery. She returned to Earth on April 20, 2010. The Space Shuttle program ended in 2011. This made her the last Japanese astronaut to fly on a Space Shuttle.
Naoko Yamazaki spent a total of 15 days, 2 hours, and 47 minutes in space. She retired from JAXA on August 31, 2011.
After Her Space Career
After returning from space, Naoko Yamazaki continued her studies. She also did research at the University of Tokyo. This began in December 2010.
Since 2011, she has been busy promoting STEM activities. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. She is also a member of the Japanese government's Space Policy Committee.
In July 2018, Naoko Yamazaki helped start the Space Port Japan Association. This group works to open spaceports in Japan. They work with companies, groups, and the government. She also advises the Young Astronaut Club. She is the Chairman of the Women in Aerospace program for the Japan Rocket Society.
As of July 2019, Naoko Yamazaki was working on her PhD. She was studying at the Intelligent Space Systems Lab. This lab is part of the University of Tokyo.
Personal Life
Naoko Yamazaki was married to Taichi Yamazaki. They have two children together. They divorced in February 2012. She enjoys hobbies like scuba diving, snow skiing, flying, and music.
In 2007, Naoko Yamazaki even used her voice in an anime show. She voiced herself in an episode of Rocket Girls.
See also
In Spanish: Naoko Yamazaki para niños
