Astronaut Hoshide talks about his expectations for the third space flight

In April, Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who is planning to head to the International Space Station on a spacecraft developed by an American private company, met before the launch and expressed his expectations for the third space flight.

JAXA = Akihiko Hoshide, an astronaut of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, heads for the International Space Station on NASA = the spacecraft "Crew Dragon" launched by NASA under a contract with the space development company "SpaceX". It's a schedule.

Mr. Hoshide held a press conference with NASA and ESA = European Space Agency astronauts heading to the International Space Station on the 1st, saying, "This is the third space flight, but we will carry out various experiments and activities with the crew. I'm looking forward to that. "

The spacecraft used in the test flight will be used again for this space flight, but Mr. Hoshide told NHK that "the necessary parts have been thoroughly inspected, and NASA, SpaceX, etc. It has been confirmed to be safe. This is the third type of spacecraft to board, but I think it is a good opportunity to feel the progress of the times and I would like to enjoy it. "

This is the third time NASA has sent an astronaut on a SpaceX spacecraft, including a test flight, and as a Japanese astronaut, Soichi Noguchi, who boarded the first operational aircraft launched in November last year. Following this, two passengers will be on board in a row.

The launch is scheduled for April 20th or later, and after staying at the International Space Station for about half a year, we will return in the fall.